Valeria Gaither

Humble Beginnings Valeria Baker was born on October 21, 1953, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Charles and Zenobia Baker. She was the 2nd oldest of seven children. She was preceded in death by her siblings Joseph, Shaun, Charles, Jr (Leo), and Sheldon. Valeria matriculated through Baltimore City Public Schools and graduated from Eastern High School in 1971. After high school, she attended the Community College of Baltimore and received an Associate of Arts degree in 1973- She amassed secretarial and customer service skills. She was employed by the Baltimore Gas & Electric Company for 15 years, and also worked briefly in the fields of banking, real estate, and finance. Later, she was employed for 15 years and retired from the University of Maryland Medical System, where she was an Authorization Coordinator. Love in Action In 1971, Valeria met the love of her life, Johnnie Gaither. They were married on October 23, 1976. From this union, they were blessed with two beautiful daughters: Takhia and Erika. The love continued to expand as they became godparents, "adoptive" parents, and more to many. It was not uncommon for her, or anyone else, to hear "Hey Ma" from the crowd, and she knew exactly which child was talking to her. As "the girls" became older, Valeria experienced her greatest joy, becoming "Mama" to her babies (the grandchildren). She was their biggest fan and cheerleader for all things. For them, she made holidays and special occasions that much more special. When asked about or told that she was spoiling them, her answer was always, "They're not spoiled. They're just loved a lot." Growing in Christ Valeria accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost at an early age at the First Apostolic Faith Church of Jesus Christ. She became a member in 1982 and went on to be a part of the New Members Ministry, Temple Life Ministry, and Women's Fellowship. An avid learner, after completing New Members, she continued her Christian Education through the Mid-Atlantic Christian College, Urban Ministry Training Center, Apostolic Bible Institute, Dominion Christian College, and the W. A. Showell School of Ministry. She answered the call to ministry in 2003 and became a licensed minister in 2005. In 2022, Valeria was ordained as an Elder in the Lord's Church through International Bibleway Church of Jesus Christ, Incorporated. Valeria loved Apostle and First Lady Showell and would always be willing to serve and help whenever they called. Serving was a gift, and she did it with excellence, even in the face of illness. In addition to being active in the various ministries of the church, she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, served on the Outreach team, and was a member of the Adjutant Board. Life Well Lived Valeria was full of life and helped everyone she could. She was loved by those who knew her, those who met her, and even by complete strangers. The family would often be out, and she would make a new '"friend" from waitstaff, to cleaning people, to anyone standing in line. John would often jokingly say, '"Your sign must be on today." Her smile was contagious and made others feel better just because she stopped to share a kind word. She loved family time and gatherings. She was an avid shopper and would spend hours with the girls dress shopping on weekends. When her grandchildren entered the scene, she could be found planning months in advance for their special events, such as birthdays and school events, and any other day she felt was a special day. Valeria loved watching '"I Love Lucy" and '"Family Feud." Cherishing Memories Loved by many, Valeria leaves to cherish her memories; her husband of 48 years, Elder Johnnie Gaither; children, Takhia Gaither and Erika Washington (Jerome); grandchildren Antoine Whitehead, Jade Washington, Jayson Washington, Xavier Stuckey, Christian Stuckey, Nadia Stuckey, and Kiana Davis; brothers Quintin Baker (Francine) and Ferrante Baker (Earthell); sister-in-laws, Linda Gaither, Thelma Whitaker (Edward), and April Blackstone; brother-in-laws, Stewart Gaither, William Gaither, Marvin Gaither (Annette), Maurice Gaither, Ernest Blackstone, Richard Blackstone (Karen), Gregory McClees, Nathaniel McClees; aunts Gloria Crawford (Johnny), Mary Smith, Kathleen Baker, Agnes Baker, Margaret Byrd (Tony), Lillian Hammond, Hazel Spencer, and Ella Hammond; '"Team Grandma'' co-captain Jackie Lilly, and a host of godchildren, adoptive children, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church members.

Tributes

Valeria Gaither

October 21, 1953 - September 17, 2025