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Charlotte Baird Obituary
Cary
On Sunday, October 4, 2015, in the presence of her family, Charlotte Elizabeth (Beth) Leak Baird conquered her battle and joined her Lord and Savior in Heaven.
Beth was born on June 20, 1963 in Chapel Hill, NC to Dr. Frank Walter and Betty George Phillips Leak. She is the granddaughter of the late William Clay and Edith Elizabeth Gibson Leak of Rockingham, NC and the late Graham Albert and Rosa Virginia George Phillips of Warsaw, NC.
Beth grew up in Clinton, NC and graduated from Clinton High School in 1981. She attended UNC-CH and graduated in 1985 with a degree in Communications. After college, Beth worked for several years for Barclay's Bank on the West Coast. She returned to North Carolina and took pre-med classes at UNCG and later graduated from the Bowman Gray School of Medicine's Physician's Assistant program in 1995.
As a certified Physician's Assistant, Beth worked for various medical groups in the Winston-Salem and Raleigh areas. Most recently, she enjoyed employment with Wake Emergency Physicians, PA.
Beth is survived by her three children: Christopher Scott Baird (19), Laura Austin Baird (15) and Jackson Leak Baird (12). They were the love of her heart.
In addition to her parents in Wilmington, NC and her children in Cary, NC, Beth is survived by her sister Laura Virginia Leak Cavagnaro (Al) of Wilmington, NC; brother Frank Walter Leak (Melissa) of Winston-Salem, NC; fiancé Lt. Col. Arthur Theodore Sturgeon USMC (Ret.) of Fuquay-Varina, NC, uncle Graham Albert Phillips (Sandra) of Wallace, NC; aunt Lillie Mae Phillips Midyette of Warsaw, NC; first cousins William Clay Leak IV of Pensacola, Fla; Charles McIntosh Leak (Tina) of Wilmington, NC, Elizabeth Leak Beck (Allan) of Southern Pines, NC, Jane Elizabeth Phillips Sykes Bowden (Edwin) of Wilmington, NC; Mary Susan Phillips of Topsail, NC; Sylvia Lorraine Phillips Jurgensen (Scott) of Raleigh, NC; Virginia Anne Phillips Strickland (Bryan) of Raleigh, NC; Robert Lewis Midyette (Paige) of Raleigh, NC; John Thomas Midyette of Raleigh, NC; and Kenneth Lambert Midyette, Jr. (Robin) of Oriental, NC; and many other cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.
A memorial of Beth's life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 8, at St. Francis United Methodist Church, 2965 Kildaire Farm Rd. in Cary, with Rev. Eric Moulton of St. John's Episcopal Church (Wilmington, NC) officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Transitions Life Care, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charlotte Baird
Tammy McCullen Godwin
September 29, 2023
I remember spending the night with Beth numerous times in grade school. It was always fun! She had a Collie named Tish and we would swim in the pool and ride the 2 seater bicycle around the neighborhood. She was one of my best friends.
Thurston Spaulding Jr.
September 29, 2023
You are still remembered, Beth; blessings to your family.
mary love royal
November 5, 2022
frank and Betty i feel your pain, kenneth and i lost a daughter age 39, i will remember you in my prayers. Losing a love one is so hard. God bless your family..
Thurston Spaulding Jr.
September 29, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person.
Tammy McCullen Godwin
September 29, 2019
Beth was a childhood friend of mine. I remember going home with her for the weekend in elementary school, swimming in her pool and she had a collie named Tish. We remained friends throughout school and I will never forget her infectious smile!
Timothy Green
October 22, 2015
What a shock to hear about Beth passing. I went to PA school with Beth and other than a major crush on her she was one of the nicest and sweetest I have ever met. I had not seen her since school until last year at a conference and she was the same amazing person I had remembered. I know she will be missed terribly.
Britt Starling
October 16, 2015
A beautiful soul lost. I send my love and prayers
October 13, 2015
Dear Betty and Frank, There are no words to express to you the sadness I feel for you in the loss of your beautiful Beth. Please know that you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Betsy Hamilton McCullen Clinton, NC
October 13, 2015
Dear Betty and Frank,
There are no words to express to you the sadness I feel for you in the loss of your beautiful Beth. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers daily. Love
Betsy Hamilton McCullen
Frances Deabenderfer
October 11, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Frances Bowden Deabenderfer
R .
October 9, 2015
to scott: i knew you in high school, you won't remeber me but I'm sorry for your loss i can't imagine the pain. hope you and your family will be OK.
R
Judy Owens
October 8, 2015
2 Timothy 4:7-8
Wyman & Shelby Wood
October 8, 2015
So sorry to hear about this ..You and family will be in our thoughts and prayers.. Dr.Leak & Ms Betty..
Judy Owens
October 8, 2015
To the family of Charlotte E. '' Beth'': I am so sorry for your loss. She was my classmate. She was loved and respected by all of her classmate.
Terrace Hall Miller
October 8, 2015
RIP Beth. You were such a beautiful person and kind spirit. My prayers and deepest sympathy go out to your family.
October 8, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Praying for all of the family.
Ann Oglesby Heath
October 8, 2015
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this time.
John, Kara, Jakob, and Annika Froberg
Tammy McCullen-Godwin
October 8, 2015
So sorry to hear this. RIP Beth
Noah Moretz
October 8, 2015
Mrs.Baird and I met a few years ago in the emergency room at WakeMed Cary, she was the physicians assistant that night and happen to get me as her patient, and i was blessed to have her take care of me. She showed nothing but love and care towards me. I will always think of Mrs.Baird when i look down at the scar on my right leg. I want her to know that i will always be there for Laura, and that she couldn't have been a better person. God Bless You Mrs. Baird
Lynn Underwood
October 8, 2015
So sorry to hear of Beth's passing. Such a beautiful person. May God be with you all during this time. You are in our prayers..
Mark Locke
October 8, 2015
Been a very long time since we crossed paths. Your smile, beauty, and personality was one of the best I've known. My prayers are with your family.
October 8, 2015
I knew Beth through medical mission trips to the Dominican Republic and Haiti. What a tremendous and special way to have gotten to know Beth. I feel as if we became fast and forever friends. I am so sorry to have lost the wonderful person we knew as Beth.
Tammy Outlaw Smith
October 8, 2015
So sorry! May God comfort your hearts. Beth was a wonderful lady. Always so kind. Many memories from CHS class of 81.
Denise Edwards - Burns
October 8, 2015
My condolences to the family of a wonderful classmate...praying for strength n comfort.
T.L. and Margaret Edwards
October 8, 2015
Sending thoughts and prayers to Leak family.
Tammie Lane - Ware
October 8, 2015
Memories of Beth, her friendly personality and genuine smile. May your soul rest in peace...CHS class of 81
rebecca chanin
October 7, 2015
I was fortunate to have known and worked with Beth at WakeMed. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness and sorrow I feel about the loss of this amazing and wonderful lady. I will forever cherish the memories created with Beth, both in and outside of the ED and always remember her for her genuine,caring, and loving nature. My heart felt condolences her children, family, and friend. She was truly a gift from heaven and will be forever missed.
Rebecca Chanin RN
Alice Bryant Moore
October 7, 2015
May God bless her family with many prayers of comfort.
Thurston Spaulding Jr.
October 7, 2015
I am sorry to hear of Beth's passing. She had a warm and powerful smile; she cared about others. In high school following the death of my father when I was 16 years old, Beth graced my family with her presence. She helped ease my pain as my father was so young at 43. Beth, too, was taken young and too soon. Blessings to her soul and heart felt sorrow to her family.
October 7, 2015
We feel so incredibly sad over the passing of Beth. It was hard to be depressed around her. Even if our lacrosse team lost, Beth's smile cheered everyone up and reminded us it was only a game. We will always miss her and pray for her children and family.
Jim, Donna, Scott and Danielle Frider
Dianne and Dale Johnson
October 7, 2015
Dale and I send our deepest condolences We were shocked to see Beth's obituary in the News and Observer. This first thing I see is bets heart warming smile and laughter. We celebrate her life.
Todd & Maria Hairr
October 7, 2015
Our condolences to Beth's family. There are memories I remember going through high school. May God be with you all during this time. You will be in our prayers.
Joanne Honeycutt Gibson
October 7, 2015
Many prayers for all of you during this time of grief. May each of you find comfort in the coming months in your loving family. We will keep you in our prayers.
Keith Kasberg
October 7, 2015
Dr. and Mrs. Leak, we met you when we were purchasing Beth's home. Our heartfelt condolences to you, Scott, Laura and Jack. Also to Laura, Al and (Little) Al Cavagnaro. We only knew Beth a very short time, but her memory will live on in our hearts and our home.
-The Kasberg Family
Vicky strickland
October 7, 2015
So shocked to hear of your loss. Please know how very sorry I am. My heart aches for you. You are in my thoughts every step of the way.
Mary Love Royal
October 7, 2015
Betty, i am so sad to hear of the death of beth, i remember her as a beautiful young girl like her mom. You and your family will be in my prayers. Much love
October 7, 2015
My heart goes out to you for your deep loss you must be feeling for your beloved Charlotte. How sad to lose someone so loved and so needed. May you find comfort in prayer and in one another. (Jeremiah 29:12,13)
October 7, 2015
Heaven's gain is our loss. We were so saddened to hear of Beth's passing. She really fought the fight. Please know that you are all in our hearts and prayers during this time. You are loved, Jenna & Repete King, Inverness, MS
Sandra Rose Jones
October 6, 2015
I was so sorry to learn of Beth's passing in today's News and Observer. I remember well seeing all of the Leak family each Sunday at First Methodist Church in Clinton where my family also attended church. My parents were James E. and Lila Mae Rose. My parents thought so much of the Leak family. May God bless you during this sad time and in the days to come.
Rob Lucas
October 6, 2015
I'm deeply saddened to hear this news. A beautiful friend at CHS and UNC. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Deborah Shea
October 6, 2015
Dr Frank, Ms Betty, Laura, Frank, Scott, Laura and Jack, how incredibly sad I am to learn of Beth's passing. So many wonderful memories on Grove Street as we all grew up together. Dipples so deep and smile so warm and bright, our Beth could light up a room simply by walking into it. Her laughter was infectious,, and her heart always sincere. What a blessing it was to have known her and to have had her in our lives. God Bless all of you. All My Love, Debbie Glover Shea and Family
Charlene Honeycutt
October 6, 2015
Beth was a wonderful high school and college classmate of my late brother, Eddie Honeycutt. They both touched many lives during their short time with us. To the Baird and Leak families -my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
October 6, 2015
Dr. Leak and Betty, I am so sorry for your lost. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
October 6, 2015
My prayers are going your way,
Love to you.
Mary Emma Phillips
Mary Bristow Dudley
October 6, 2015
Sending thoughts and prayers to the Baird and Leak families. May you find peace and comfort during this difficult time.
October 6, 2015
II send my sympathy to you and yours as I remember Beth growing up in Clinton as a friend of my daughter Lucille.
Rebecca. Caison
Jennygayle beard
October 6, 2015
Growing up beside the leak family I spent a lot of hours in their home. They are all so special to my family still today. You will all continue to be in our daily prayers. Beth was a beautiful person. She will always live in our hearts.
Ed Taylor
October 6, 2015
Beth was such a wonderful person and a joy to have as a band student. We are so sorry for your loss.
The Ed Taylor family
Rosemarie Vaughan RN
October 6, 2015
I was lucky enough to have known and worked with Beth for several years In the emergency department at WakeMed Apex. She was an amazing person, always easy going,compassionate, and smiling.
My condolences to her children and family.
She will be missed greatly.
Bruce and Carol Jaufmann and Wadon
October 6, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family
October 6, 2015
I'm so sorry to read about your loss. Our loved ones have a hope for the future according to John 6:40.
Jill Tate
October 6, 2015
The Tates send prayers for comfort & peace during this difficult time.
Jeff, Donna, Alea and Anna Lawrence
October 6, 2015
Beth leaves an indelible mark on all of the lives she touched. She will forever be missed and always loved by the Lawrence family in Colorado. Our deepest condolences to the entire Leak family and to Scott, Laura and Jack.
Susan Sigmon
October 6, 2015
Love from the Sigmon family during this difficult time. The Sigmon kids spent many hours with the Baird family and I am proud to have known Beth. She was the definition of Southern Class. I thank her for always being so kind to our children. Peace to Ted and all who loved her.
Lisa Johnson Middleton
October 6, 2015
My condolences to the family. Praying for peace and comfort in your loss. I have so many wonderful childhood memories of our friendship from Kerr Elementary to UNC-CH.
Robert Baird
October 6, 2015
It is with great sadness, we extend our sympathies to Scott, Laura & Jack, Beth's Mom and Dad and other family & friends. Beth was first and foremost a great mother. Her children are a testament to the love in her heart for her family. We love Beth and she will always be a part of our family.
Robert, Carrie, Brian, Kate, Joe & Sam Baird
Julie Balog
October 6, 2015
The Balog family is heartbroken, along with all who love Beth. We have wonderful memories of years of lacrosse games and good times out with the "lax moms" and a lot of laughter. Beth's laugh and beautiful smile will stay in our hearts forever.
October 6, 2015
So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that God's Son felt the pain and sorrow that death brings after the death of his friend Lazarus. He gave way to tears. John 11:33-35 We weep along with you.
October 6, 2015
Beth and I grew up together at Coharie Country Club and UNC-Chapel Hill. The Carr family will always remember how bright she made the world.
October 5, 2015
The Hargrove family sends our thoughts and prayers to the entire family. Beth had the most beautiful smile and was such a sweet lady. We have great memories during our time together at many Athens Drive lacrosse games. We will be praying for peace and comfort.
October 5, 2015
I am so saddened for Betty and Frank,my old friends. I send love and prayers for the Leak family. all of y are heart. Beth was so smart, beautiful and joyful. ann Turlington
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