Lucille Baker

LUCILLE BAKER, (affectionately called Momma or Gramps) daughter of the late Gertrude (Lewis) Clark and Stephen Lewis, was born on October 1, 1922, in Sumpter, South Carolina. She was the second of four children, her two brothers, Irvin Lewis and Stephen (Sporty) Lewis, and her sister, Lubertha (Lewis) Ward, preceded her in death. Lucille fell asleep in death on Wednesday, October 19, 2011, at Bon Secours Hospital. (Acts 13:36). Lucille received her education in Baltimore City Public Schools. Later, she proved to be a very diligent worker in textiles. Even after retirement, she continued to be a hard-working women, making the “best-tasting frozen cups” in the neighborhood. She also made sweet potato pies and “greens” for the Barbeque Pit next door to her home on South Franklintown Road. Momma was an excellent provider for her family. Mother Baker had her beginnings in the Holliness church as a child, in the House of the Living God Pillar Ground and the Truth Church, where her mother was a member. Mother Baker gave her life to Christ at a young age during a tent revival that was held in South Baltimore in the 1930’s and 40’s She later became a member of The Church of the Redeemed (Apostolic) under the leadership of her brother in law, the late Bishop H. O. Ward, where she served for many years as a member of the Pastor’s Aid Ministry, Sr. Usher’s Ministry and a Missionary. She continued to serve as a member of The Church of the Redeemed under the leadership of her great-grandson, Pastor Telli Hardy, until her later years. Momma was a modest woman, who displayed class and dignity in her dress and grooming, especially when she got dressed to go to church or even to take a walk to the store. Everybody admired her “style” and grace. She was also known for the immaculate was she kept her home. Even in the senior citizen’s building where she lived, her home was so well decorated and kept that the management would gladly comply. In 1949, she married Louise Phillip Baker (Phil) who preceded her in death, in 1982. Although Momma gave birth to one son and seven daughters, she was a loving mother and caregiver to many others. Two of her children, James Rhodes Jr. and Sheila Sparks, preceded her in death. Surviving to cherish her memories are six daughters: Brenda Elliott (Robert), Vineca Harrison, Ingrid Baker, Denise Durant-Bey (Charles), Janice Sheriff (Rommie), Annette Baker (Whailey Cook), one step-daughter: Phyllis Stevenson (Maurice), two “adopted” daughter: Crystal Jones and Dorrence Putty; 19 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Lucille Baker

October 1, 1922 - October 19, 2011