Mary Catherine (Williamson) Baker

1925 - 2014

Mary Catherine (Williamson) Baker obituary, 1925-2014

BORN

1925

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Waltrip Funeral Directors

1415 Campbell Road

Houston, Texas

Mary Catherine Baker Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 21, 2014.

Mary Catherine Baker, 88, passed away Friday, February 21, 2014 in Houston, Texas. She was born on Monday, April 20, 1925 in Stark, Kansas, the daughter of Melvin Russell Williamson and Gladys Alta Mathers.

Mary is survived by husband John Clyde Baker, Jr.; son Timothy of Houston, sister Dicy Jansen of Erie, Kansas, daughter-in-law Carolyn, daughter-in-law Carrie, son-in-law Herb, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by son John Michael Baker, daughter Laurie Whalley, and sister Laurel Goodwin of Joplin, Missouri

Mary grew up in Stark, Kansas and graduated from Grant Township Rural High School in 1942. After graduation, she went to work as a secretary in an accounting firm in Ottawa, Kansas. She married her husband of 63 years on August 27, 1950 in Melvern, Kansas. Shortly after marrying, the couple relocated to Manhattan, Kansas where Mary worked in the history department of Kansas State College while John completed his education. They then moved to Wichita, Kansas where Mary raised her three children.

Natives of Kansas, the Bakers joined Fair Haven United Methodist Church when they moved to Houston in early 1967. What began as a part-time job at Fair Haven in 1973 soon developed into a full-time position as secretary to the Education Department and Music Department. In 1983 her duties expanded to include being the secretary to numerous senior pastors and associate ministers. After 17 years at Fair Haven, she retired from work in 1990 although she continued to serve the church in many ways. She helped start the Fair Haven Food Pantry, was a member of the handbell choir, and also was the secretary and treasurer of the Searchers Sunday School class.

Mary enjoyed many hobbies such as sewing, quilting, reading, painting, and genealogy. She will be remembered as a faithful and humble servant of God, a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother, and friend to many.

Family and friends gathed for a celebration of Mary's life, in the sanctuary of Fair Haven United Methodist Church, 1330 Gessner in Houston, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2014. Immediately following the service, all were invited to join the family in sharing memories at a reception in the Fellowship Hall.

It is the family's fondest wish that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Mary's name to the Food Pantry at Fair Haven United Methodist Church, 1330 Gessner Houston, Texas 77055 (713) 467-4363.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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5 Entries

March 3, 2014

Kathleen Green

John,
I am so sorry to hear of Mary's passing. You and Mary have been wonderful for so many years in supporting my dad and my mom. If Tricia and I had been there we would have come to the service and brought Mom, but she just didn't feel that the could do it. Thank you again and again for the blessing of your friendship throughout the years. Mary was a true treasure and I will always carry that wonderful smile in my heart. God bless and comfort you. Kati Green

February 24, 2014

Ken Carter

John, you and Mary have been a blessing to us since the day we met you both. Take comfort in knowing that for her to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. You remain in our prayers and we remain at your service. Ken and Beverly

February 24, 2014

David & Ann Murrah

John, Ann and I were so sorry to hear of Mary's passing. She was a wonderful lady and was so sweet to us when we lived in Houston. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

February 23, 2014

Yvonne

John, I am so sorry to hear of Mary's passing. I never had the pleasure to meet Mary but know she must have been a great woman by the wonderful things you always had to say about her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

February 23, 2014

Angela

Sorry to hear of the lost of Mrs. Baker. The Bible tells us “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.” One of the principal ways to draw close to God is thorough prayer. Do not underestimate its value!

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Funeral services provided by:

Waltrip Funeral Directors

1415 Campbell Road, Houston, TX 77055

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