Obituary
Guest Book
1925
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.
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!
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more