Betty Jean Baker 's Obituary
Betty Jean Turner Baker, age 95, of Dallas, Texas passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones on March 25th, 2020. She was born on February 9th, 1925 to George and Lola Turner in Hope, Arkansas. Her family moved to Oklahoma when she was a child. She graduated from Boswell High School as Valedictorian of her class, as well as Homecoming Queen. During WWII she attended East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma where she received a bachelor’s degree and teaching certification in Home Economics. After the war she married the love of her life Glenn Baker on June 28th, 1947 in Boswell, Oklahoma. As newlyweds, they moved to Dallas, Texas where they started their family and became active in their community. Betty was an amazing mother, accomplished homemaker, and excellent cook. She lovingly cared for and supported the special needs of her daughter Susan for 71 years. Betty and Glenn were founding members of the DARC (Dallas Association of Retarded Citizens). They were both faithful members of White Rock United Methodist Church and Harmony Sunday School class since 1964. Betty held various positions in the UMW (United Methodist Women). She served the Lord through her sewing, fundraising, and other ministry projects, including Wesley-Rankin Community Center in West Dallas. For the past 40 years she was also active in the Methodist Hospital Auxiliary where she held several positions on their Board of Directors. They honored her as their 2018 Auxiliarian of the Year. She was recognized for her thousands of hours of volunteering by receiving the Presidential Award of Service. Over the years she made hundreds of baby blankets, baby layettes, preemie onesies, and heart comfort pillows. She and her daughter Susan took great joy as volunteers decorating thousands of tray table favors for Methodist Hospital patients for each holiday and season. Over the past thirty years she lovingly made dozens of wheelchair and walker bags for the Veterans at the VA Hospital. She enjoyed attending her local AARP Chapter meetings, where she often brought her famous homemade pecan pralines and other goodies. She held numerous positions over the past 40+ years in the Poise’N Ivy Garden Club, District X Texas Garden Clubs, and Dallas Council of Garden Clubs. She was responsible for numerous projects and fundraisers. She also faithfully delivered VNA Meals on Wheels until she was no longer physically able. Even at the age of 94 she hand-sewed comfort pillows which were delivered to Meals on Wheels recipients. Betty is survived by her four children: Susan Baker of Arlington, Steve Baker and wife Mary of Dallas, Sandy Hyles and husband Joe of Dallas, and Sarah Sanders and husband Sheldon of Flower Mound, Texas. Betty is also survived by her two grandchildren: Scott Sanders and wife Simone of Van Alstyne, Texas, and Rachel and husband Sean Hoes of Lakewood, Colorado. She was also the proud great grandmother of Lily Sanders of Van Alstyne. Betty is also survived by her sister-in-law Wanda Baker along with numerous nieces and nephews. Betty was proceeded in death by her loving parents George and Lola Turner along with her beloved sisters: Louise Nordean, Lucille Emerson, and Mildred Pierce. Betty always had a smile on her face, a twinkle in her eye, and brought much joy to all that knew and loved her. She faithfully served the Lord all of her days. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by family and friends. The family will have a small private graveside burial at Restland Cemetery. A future “Celebration of Life” service will be held at White Rock United Methodist Church once the Coronvirus pandemic is over. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her memory to Achieve (www.achievedfw.org). This is the sheltered workshop where her daughter Susan has worked for over 30 years.
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