Lovell Wright Baker

Our beloved Lovell Baker passed away on June 27, 2010 from natural causes, at the age of 94. Lovell was born in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, the daughter of a Methodist minister. She gave her life to the Lord at the age of nine. Her life was devoted to her family and friends, and to serve the Lord and do His will. She touched thousands of lives in countless ways. Lovell graduated valedictorian of her high school class. After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree with highest honors from Oklahoma Women’s University, she attended Northwestern University, where she earned her Master’s degree in both religious studies and in music. She served as Director of Music and Director of Christian Education in Methodist churches in Iowa, Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas.

She began reviewing books in high school, which led to a part-time career as a professional book reviewer, always in great demand. Her “Lovell Baker Club” enjoyed forty years of book reviews given by Lovell. A talented musician, she sang and played the piano, which caught the eye of a certain Dr. George Baker, who proposed after two years of courtship. They moved to Dallas in 1948 to a home in which Lovell lived until the day she died. Dr. Baker, the love of her life, was University Chaplain then Professor of Homiletics at SMU’s Perkins School of Theology. He died in 1974, and Lovell lived 36 years as a widow. Although she received offers of marriage following Dr. Baker’s death, Lovell declined them all and simply stated, “When you have had the best, how can you settle for anything less?”. During their marriage, they loved to sing together and put on entertainment shows for church groups, often featuring their four children in song, dance, and comedy skits.

Lovell loved gardening, and her backyard was once featured in “Better Homes and Gardens.” She was in “Who’s Who of American Women” and was nominated for “most influential and outstanding woman in Dallas.” She opened her house and heart to numerous foreign exchange students, who invariably became part of the family. She would greet all visitors with her buoyant “Bless You!” She is survived by her three sons Dr. George Baker, Dr. Merrimon Baker, Randolph Baker, her daughter Jeannine, and two grandchildren, Paige and Evan Baker.

When she stands before the Lord Jesus, He will gaze upon her and say, “Well done, well done!”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the University Park United Methodist Church Music Ministry, and to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Her memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, July 3 at University Park United Methodist Church.