Mary Scott Whitehead Baker

Mary Scott Whitehead Baker died March 1, 2025 at age 82. She was born in Radford, VA to Mary Shelton Whitehead and John Lewis Whitehead. She was a graduate of Radford High School and Longwood College where she was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and made many life long friends. Upon graduation she moved to VA Beach and taught in the VA Beach School System.
After a whirlwind summer tour of Europe she returned to her home in Virginia Beach and a surprise proposal from George Baker. She said yes and they were married on Feb. 5, 1966 in her hometown of Radford. Scotty and George came back to Virginia Beach to begin their lives together and start a family. She became deeply involved in her community. Scottie was active in the King's Daughters, the Princess Anne Garden Club, where she served as president, the Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach and was the Co-Chair of the Boardwalk Art Show. She was an involved member of both the Princess Anne Country Club and Galilee Church, as well as its Flower Guild. Scottie was gifted in flower arranging and could turn a few blossoms into a work of art. She was also an accomplished cook and hostess and enjoyed welcoming many friends into her beautiful home. She enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles, and for many years was an avid MahJong player. Scotty spent long weekends with her sister at her home in Gloucester and would often help her with the county's annual Daffodil Festival.
Scotty had a special attachment to VA Beach because her Uncle F. Southall Farrar started a summer camp off of 85th Street at the North End of VA Beach in 1948. It was the first 4H Camp and her family spent many happy times at Camp Farrar as she was growing up. She continued her family's stewardship of conservation through her work with the Princess Anne Garden Club by helping to raise funds to maintain and beautify what is now called First Landing State Park.
Scotty and George just made it to their 59th wedding anniversary. She was adored by her children, family, and friends and they will all miss her famous sense of humor. Spending time with her family is what made Scotty happiest in life.
Scotty was predeceased by her parents, her sister Ann Tredway Whitehead, sister Ruth Whitehead Matheson and Ruth's husband W. John Matheson, and her nephew John L. Whitehead, III. She is survived by her brother John L. Whitehead, Jr. (AKA "Uncle Chicken") and his wife Ann; her three beloved children Ann Tredway (Rick), Mary Scott "Mecott," and John; and many dear cousins.
There will be a Celebration of Life service for both Scotty and George, at Galilee Church 3928 Pacific Avenue, April 4th at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow the service at the church. A live-stream of the service can be seen at www.galileechurch.net.