Bertha Lee Baker
 |
| Bertha Lee Baker |
Bertha Lee Baker, 98, a life long resident of White County,
went home to be with her Lord, Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005. Known as "Mom" to all who
knew and loved her, Mrs. Baker leaves a rich heritage of love, life, and service
to others.
She was born in 1906 to Alex Zander and Cassie Sarilla Holleman Joyce in
Pangburn and moved to Searcy when she was 13 years old.
Mrs. Baker looked forward to her reunion with those who
preceded her in death including her husband, Adolphus Harmon Baker, whom she
married in 1926 in Bald Knob; daughters, Joyce Frances Rushton and Carolyn
Elizabeth Baker; sons, Colonel A.J. "Bo" Baker and
Jimmy Wayne Baker; and a sister, Velear Key Boyer.
She is survived by a brother, Freddie A. Joyce and wife Audrey of Searcy; six
daughters and their families, Vesta Ransom and husband Carmi of Judsonia and
their daughters Carmen Pate and Kerri Fee and families, Martha Robinson and
husband Don of Searcy and their daughter Kim Handy and family, Sue Osborne and
husband Charles of Searcy and their son Charles and daughter Pam Wood and
families, Jo Jones and husband Mike of Searcy and their sons Chris and Beau,
Judy Greer and husband John of Conway and their sons Jeff, Jeremy and Jordan and
families, Becky Harrison and husband Mike of Bella Vista and their daughter
Casey Salisbury and family and son Tyler; son-in-law, Bill Rushton and wife Faye
of Searcy and his daughters Teresa Purcell and Mary Kay Gerken and son Scott and
families; daughter-in-law, Betty Baker of Fayetteville, N.C., and her daughter
Terri Owen and family; numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren,
nieces and nephews; and a very special young man who was like a son to Mrs.
Baker, Bobby Hankins of Semmes, Ala., and his wife Wanda.
Mrs. Baker was a member of the First Baptist Church of Searcy
where she faithfully served others on Wednesday nights with her culinary gift of
food preparation for over 25 years. For 28 years, thousands of campers from
across the nation enjoyed "Mom's" feasts at the Wyldewood Retreat Center in
Searcy. She also found time to serve others in her community through the Order
of Eastern Stars where she was a past Worthy Matron. Mrs. Baker was a charter
member of the Bo Baker Unit 350 of the American Legion Auxiliary.
The joys of her life were "her kids" of all ages, from all walks of life, from
all over the country who were always welcome at "Mom's House." She will long be
remembered for her unconditional love, her beautiful smile, her chicken and
dumplings, and bread pudding. Only in heaven will she realize the thousands of
lives that God touched through her. "Her children arise and call her blessed."
(Proverbs 31:28)
Visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 6, at Searcy-McEuen Funeral
Home from 6-8 p.m. The funeral will be held Friday, Jan. 7, at 2 p.m. at First
Baptist Church in Searcy. Interment will be at the Oaklawn Cemetery.
Family will receive visitors at the home of Don and Martha Robinson at 410
Virgil Avenue in Searcy following the service.
