Dorothy Jeanne Baker

Dorothy (Dott) Jeanne Garner Baker, 81, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on July 4, 2015.  She was born in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania.  In her early teens, she moved to Sheffield, Alabama, and grew up in York Terrace where her father was constructing homes in the growing neighborhood.  She lived the rest of her life in the Shoals.

She was a Sheffield High School graduate, where she was a majorette in the marching band.  While in high school, she met and eloped with Jerry Mack Baker in April of 1951.  They were married for almost 61 years.  She was a member of Sheffield First United Methodist Church.

She dearly loved her husband and worked side-by-side to support him throughout their lives together.  As newlyweds, she helped Jerry on the family farm raising prize Hereford cattle.  She also helped him run a successful campaign for Colbert County Commissioner.  After moving to town, she still loved spending time on the family farm.  She worked with Jerry and was an insurance agent at Jerry Baker Company Real Estate and Insurance while also loving and rearing four rowdy children and all their friends.

She was an active volunteer in several organizations, including being a Cub Scout den mother, the Service League, the Tennessee Valley Art Center, and the ASPCA. 

Dott referred to herself as a transplanted Pennsylvania Dutch Yankee, but she really became a genteel, Southern lady.  She was a fantastic cook and loved hosting and entertaining friends and family.  She always cooked enough to serve any extra kids or friends that showed up.  She was an avid nature and animal lover, and the family always had multiple pets.

Dott’s philosophy in life was always have fun, dance when you get the chance, take secret trips, throw a good party, make sure you have enough, always add more sugar, and love your husband.

Dott is survived by her son Tim Baker (Krista), daughter Melanie Stinson (Tom), son Mack Baker (Dilcia), son Scott Baker (Sherri), grandchildren Michael Stinson (Katie), Diana Cassels (Landon), Brooke King (Will), Clint Baker (Emily), Emily Stinson, Shannon Baker, Eden Baker, great grandson Elliott Stinson, and special friend Tulio Rivas.

Dott was preceded in death by her husband Jerry Mack Baker, her parents Richard Clay Garner and Ruth Scott Garner, and her sisters Eleanor Ruth Garner and Patricia Ann Garner Gibbs.

The family would like to express a special thanks to the loving and caring staff of Brentwood Assisted Living where our mother not only found dedicated caregivers, but also special friends.

Visitation will be from 4 PM to 6 PM and service at 6 PM, Monday, July 6, at Colbert Memorial Chapel, Tuscumbia.  In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Colbert County Animal Shelter in Tuscumbia. 

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