Annie Delois Baker

Annie Delois Baker, a beacon of love and laughter, completed her earthly journey on January 19, 2025, in Moreno Valley, California, after a peaceful transition. Born on June 19, 1934, in Macon, Georgia, to the loving Robert David and Lillie Billins, Annie grew up as the second to the oldest of four girls, a cherished sister among Ruby Mae Dunn, Rose Mary Sanders, and Bobbie Jordan. She was the epitome of a life well-lived, a narrative of joy and resilience that continued until her last breath.
Annie's life was a tapestry of achievement and affection. She attended Ballard-Hudson High School in her hometown of Macon, where the seeds of her future successes were sown. Furthering her education at Riverside City College, Annie was not just a student but a shining example of community involvement, crowned as Miss Macon in her youth, a title that reflected her inner beauty and grace.
She married the love of her life, James Dennis Baker, on the 1st of October 1954. On that autumn day, surrounded by close family and friends, they exchanged vows that would last a lifetime, promising to cherish each other through all the highs and lows of life. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. Their union was further blessed with two wonderful sons, Gregory Levan Baker and Terence Renard Baker.
Her professional life was dedicated to nurturing young minds, a testament to her caring nature. Annie worked with love and dedication at Rustic Lane Elementary School and NAACP Preschool in Riverside, touching countless lives with her kindness and wisdom. She not only educated children but also inspired her colleagues and all who knew her.
Annie's life was one of celebration, and it was no coincidence that her birthday fell on Juneteenth, a day commemorating freedom and hope. She reveled in this synchronicity, finding joy in the recognition of such an important milestone in history. Her passions were many and varied; from her culinary prowess, especially her sweet potato pie, to her skills with needle and thread, Annie was a creator of comfort and beauty. Her love for the outdoors was evident in her well-tended garden, and her adventurous spirit shone through her love of travel and boat rides. As a member of the NCO wives club, she built a community of support and friendship that lasted a lifetime.
Annie never had her ears pierced, a fun fact that spoke to her unique character and the simple joys she cherished. Orange was her favorite color, a vibrant hue that matched her lively and spirited personality. Her husband, James Dennis Baker, was her partner in learning, teaching her to drive and cook, and together they navigated the roads and recipes of life. Though she was preceded in death by her beloved parents, husband James Dennis Baker, son Terence Renard Baker, and sister Ruby Mae Dunn, her legacy of love and laughter endures.
Described as faith-filled, loving, and funny, Annie's life was a reflection of her unwavering spirit and the joy she found in every day. "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well," Ralph Waldo Emerson once said. Annie embodied this sentiment, leaving an indelible mark on the world through her service, her love, and her capacity to bring joy to others.
Annie Delois Baker's story does not end with her passing but continues in the hearts she has touched, and the memories cherished by all who knew her. Her laughter echoes in the halls of the schools where she taught, her recipes flavor the memories of family gatherings, and her love for life inspires all to find beauty in the everyday. As we remember Annie, let us carry forward her legacy of joy, her commitment to making a difference, and her unwavering belief in the power of love and laughter to change the world.
Annie Delois Baker is survived by her beloved sisters, Rose Mary Sanders and Bobbie Jordan; her eldest son, Gregory Levan Baker; her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews, all of whom carry forward her legacy of love and strength.
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