Dorothy Mae Baker

When Dorothy was 12, her family moved to Marked Tree, which she was forever proud to call home. Her dyslexia made academics quite a challenge, so she left school at 16 to marry the love of her life, Dee Baker Jr., who had just returned from fighting in Europe with the 104th Infantry Division, known as the Timberwolves.

Dorothy was a member of First Baptist Church of Marked Tree, where she taught a Sunday School class, sang in the choir and was an enthusiastic member of the Kitchen Committee.

Dorothy loved being a mother. She was strict, but affectionate, and she made sure that Larry and Barbara were in church when she was -- every time the doors were open. She was eagerly involved with her children's school activities, always available to help with school parties or to sew a costume for the annual May Festival.

One of her favorite things was remodeling her house, which started with painting and gradually included installing ceiling tile, hanging sheetrock and finishing it and actually building closets. She was never afraid to try something new and could usually learn a new process after closely watching a professional do it. She eventually purchased a couple of houses and did most of the remodeling before flipping the properties.

Living on a limited income, Dorothy found many ways to make extra money. She helped out in a florist's shop, worked in a grocery store and in a dress factory. But she also found more creative sources: she helped husband Dee with peddling fish he had caught, and helped him raise baby turtles to sell. She also sold pecans she had picked up, and small, decorative Victorian-style chairs with velvet seats that she had learned how to make from aluminum cans. She had a real can-do spirit.

And later, as a widow, she occasionally took a job taking care of friends who were debilitated from illness, just as she had cared for her late husband. It's only fitting that after caring for others her whole life, that she would be cared for so lovingly at the end of her life at Three Rivers, the nursing home where she lived for almost four years. She had volunteered there and spent many hours visiting friends who were residents. In the end, it felt like home to her, and she considered the staff her second family.  

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her father- and mother-in-law, Dee Baker Sr. and Etta Foshee Baker; her siblings, Odis Bailey, Lee Ella Jones, Johnnie Turner and Sonny Bailey; her son, Larry Dee Baker; her daughter-in-law, Vicki Sturgis Baker; her former son-in-law, Mike Cameron; her grandson, Chris Baker; and her grandson-in-law, Brian Kellett.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Cameron Ford (John); her grandchildren, Jennifer Cameron Kellett, Larry Dee Baker (Angela), Ben Cameron (Lauren), Brett Ford, and Sharon Ford May; and her great-grandchildren, Abigail, Catherine and Elizabeth Kellett; Sophia and Will Cameron; Ethan Baker; Aubree May; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Tuesday, February 20, there will be a visitation at 9:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Marked Tree, followed by a celebration of her life at 10 a.m, with the Rev. Dale Noe officiating.The graveside service will immediately follow at Marked Tree Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ben Cameron, Larry Baker, John Ford, Brett Ford, Ben Burkhart, Bobby Swank and David Brazile.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House, 1148 West Matthews Avenue, Jonesboro, AR 72401