Dorothy M. Baum

Dorothy Mae Baum peacefully entered eternal rest on Monday, October 14, 2024. Born on April 24, 1940 to the late Eddie Gilchrist and Annie Mae Brown, she was affectionately called Doti or Dot. After accepting Christ, she insisted to be called by her full name, which means "Gift of God."
Dorothy was united in holy matrimony to her late husband Raymond E. Baum. Raymond Baum, served in the Navy as an airplane pilot and they shared 23 years together. Dorothy will be laid to rest beside him at the Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery on November 18, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.
A proud native of Washington, DC, Dorothy graduated from Eastern High School on June 10, 1958. She pursued a career as a laboratory technician, recognized as a medical technician and phlebotomist at Washington Hospital Center, receiving commendations from the Department of Human Resources, Narcotics Treatment, and Administration for her exceptional work ethic and commitment to excellence.
Dorothy was certified in infant and child CPR by the American Red Cross, showcasing her dedication to helping others. Later in her life, she skillfully juggled various roles, becoming a homeschooling teacher, a crossing guard, and a high school substitute teacher. She also obtained licenses in nail and makeup artistry and operated her own daycare, earning recognition through the Anne Arundel County Family Childcare Association. Her husband would contribute five dollars a week, which she wisely saved, accumulating nearly $800, demonstrating her knack for making every penny count.
Though she technically retired in her 60s and 70s, Dorothy never truly stepped away from work until her health declined, requiring a heart transplant in 2006. In 2014, her health took a turn for the worse; her body faced severe challenges, including sepsis, leading her to the brink of death multiple times. Despite the grim predictions of the doctors at the University of Maryland, Dorothy's resilience shone through. After two arduous years on a feeding tube, she miraculously got up one day and walked again, embodying the spirit of perseverance.
Before her passing, she was a devoted member of Mount Olive Baptist Church, where her daughter and grandson would take her to Sunday services followed by brunch. If she couldn't enjoy church and fried chicken, she simply didn't want anything else. Over the years, Dorothy explored a variety of faiths, from Jews for Jesus to Methodism, Baptism, nondenominational practices, to the Seven-Day Adventists-if there was a church, she had likely been a part of it!
Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Raymond Baum; son, Timothy Manley, in August 2014, and also by an infant son who passed away at 11 months old.
She is survived by her children, Mike Manley, Chris Manley, Rachel Grante, and Caleb Baum, who collectively cherish the legacy of their mother, along with 17 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
Fun fact: She worked at a nostalgic '50s-style diner, serving customers in their cars while wearing roller skates! Her passion for fashion was sacred to her, yet she also delighted in crafting decorative cakes shaped like butterflies and snowmen. With a deep love for art and crafts, she produced countless handmade creations. Her hobbies included a love for movies of all kinds-action, drama, romance, horror-and she would scream and laugh as if she were right in the middle of all the excitement!
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm at the Donaldson Funeral Home Chapel, 313 Talbott Ave, Laurel, MD 20707. A funeral service will begin at 1:00pm and will be livestreamed .
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