Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Baker, 94, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, at Great River Medical Center.
She was born on Jan. 14, 1928, in Burlington. She was the daughter of Joseph and Edith Mitchell Morgan and was one of five children.
On Sept. 3, 1949, she was united in marriage to Vernon H. Baker, who passed away on Jan. 15, 1997. From this union two daughters were born: Janice (Michael) Clarke of Camden, N.J., and Lora (Mack) Turner of Burlington. Mrs. Baker was also very proud to welcome stepdaughter Darleen Baker to the family, who sadly passed away on June 11, 2017.
Mary graduated from Burlington High School in the class of 1945. She then decided to attend beauty school, so she left home for the first time, and headed to Crescent School of Beauty Culture in Des Moines, graduating in December of 1947. Also, in her younger years she worked at JS Schramm Co. where she worked at the gift-wrapping counter and ran the elevator. She next worked at Sylvania for many years until they closed; and started working at Champion Spark Plug three weeks later in 1969, where she was an active union member and retired in 1992. After retirement, she volunteered with the Burlington ambassadors who welcomed visitors to town and took them on tours of the city when riverboats docked or a tour bus was in town. She also volunteered in the Burlington school system.
She was so proud when she was elected to a four-year term on the Burlington City Council. She was the oldest person, at 73, to ever win a seat, and was the first Black woman to ever sit on the council. She was very interested in community issues & helping wherever she could.
She was a big fan of the Burlington Grayhounds and spent many hours on the bleachers watching her grandsons participate. The SCC Blackhawks were also dear to her heart. She also really loved working in her yard where she planted beautiful flowers for many years.
She was an active member of St. John A.M.E. Church and rarely missed a Sunday.
She leaves a legacy of love and warm memories to be cherished by her daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Grandchildren include Sean (Holly) Baker of O’Fallon, Mo., Brian (Ashlyn) Turner of Ballwin, Mo., Alan (Michelle) Woods of Depford, N.J., Jared Clarke, and Brandon Clarke of Camden, N.J. Great-grandchildren include A.J. Baker, Aliyah Baker, and JoJo (her little doggy companion who will miss her very much) of O’Fallon, Mo., Elliana, Annelise, and Elijah Turner of Ballwin, Mo., Xavier and Naomi Woods of Depford , N.J., and Caleb Clarke of Camden, N.J.
She is also loved by her grandchildren from stepdaughter, Darleen. Janette (Randy) Allen and family of Burlington, Jason Flowers and family of Burlington, Craig Brown and family of Middleport, Ohio, Christel Brown, and Scotty Brown of Buckeye, Ariz.
She was preceded in death by her husband, and four brothers Albert Morgan, Charles (Bunny) Hayden, Fred Hayden, and Bill Majors.
Visitation will be from 10 until 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, at Prugh-Thielen Funeral Home.
The funeral Service for Mrs. Baker will be 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, at Prugh-Thielen Funeral Home with the Rev. Orlando Dial as the officiant. Burial will be held at a later date as cremation has been accorded per her wishes. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh-Thielen Funeral Home following the service.
Cremation will be entrusted to the Prugh Crematory.
The family of Mary E. Morgan Baker acknowledges with sincere appreciation the many comforting messages, prayers, and all other acts of kindness shown to our family during this difficult time.
A Memorial has been established for St. John A.M.E Church.