Dora Baker
- Published: September 20, 2018
Dora Baker
Dora Baker, age 92, of Yellow Springs, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Friends Care Center Assisted Living. She was born on April 5, 1926, in Wilberforce, Ohio, to the late James Newsome Sr. and Mae Newsome.
In addition to her parents, and husband Wayne Baker, Sr., Dora was preceded in death by her brothers, James Newsome, Jr. and Wendell Newsome.
Dora is survived by her sons, Wesley Robinson and Wayne Baker, Jr.; grandchildren Kyle, Anthony and Vincent; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Dora was a devoted member of First Baptist Church and served in the past as choir director and a Sunday school teacher. She loved giving her testimony on Sunday, thanking God for family, friends and the joy she was having living her life.
Dora was an educator in the Dayton and Cleveland school systems. She loved children and was inspired to educate young minds.
Following a stroke in 1969, Dora was unable to continue being an educator, but she never quit teaching. She shared the gifts of compassion, love, strength and courage her entire life. She made people smile and feel happy. She enjoyed a good “walk” through town in her wheelchair or a stroll with her cane that she nicknamed Tom. Dora never met a stranger, and enjoyed engaging people with a warm smile.
When she checked into the Friends Care Nursing Center, the staff was told that she would be the “Belle of the Ball,” and she didn’t disappoint, as she brightened the day of visitors and staff during her entire stay. Dora shared God’s love in abundance and her spirit will live on forever.
Dora was a graduate of Wilberforce University and a member of The Order of the Eastern Star and Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. She was also a founding member of the Intowner’s Club of Yellow Springs, which was a social group of friends and families that gathered on weekends to share stories, laugh and have fun.
A service for Dora Baker will be held on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, at First Baptist Church, located at 600 Dayton Street in Yellow Springs. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m. Arrangements entrusted to Porter-Qualls-Freeman Funeral Home.
Exodus 20:12 — “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”
I took care of Dora as a home health aid some 15 years ago. I found her to be a loving Christian woman. At times quite funny, but I grew very close with her. God bless to my friend Dora. Rest-in-peace sister.