Anita S. Baker

Anita Swanson Baker, age 85, passed away December 29, 2010, at her home. A native of Atlanta, Mrs. Baker grew up on Park Drive, near Piedmont Park. In her early years, she spent many happy hours in the park, and in the neighborhood now known as Virginia Highland. A very active lady in her younger years, she suffered a series of injuries and medical problems that reduced her mobility, and prevented her from doing the walking and exercising that she so enjoyed. Never one to stay home, she was always on the go, and loved to take a Sunday afternoon ride. She was a graduate of NAPS (North Avenue Presbyterian School), and a lifelong member of Second Ponce deLeon Baptist Church, where she greatly enjoyed the Family Life Center, until illness reduced her physical activities. Mrs. Baker was a Realtor in the 1960s and 1970s, first with Cates Realty, where she worked for Goodwyn “Shag” Cates, former Chairman of the Fulton County Commission. Later she worked with Harry Norman Realtors, at their office in what was then the “new” suburban area of Dunwoody. Her vivacious personality was a natural fit for real estate sales. She loved meeting clients and helping them select the perfect home.

She also loved history and was a proud member, and former officer, of several historical organizations, including the Joseph Habersham Chapter DAR, Atlanta Chapter No. 18 UDC, and the Magna Charta Dames. She was preceded in death by her husband, Byron Baker, and her brother, William S. Swanson. She is survived by her daughter, A. Diane Baker, son-in-law, Thomas J. Robison, and numerous cousins. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 3rd at 2 o’clock at Oglethorpe Hill Chapel. Interment Arlington Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 3 to 5 o’clock at H.M. Patterson & Son, Oglethorpe Hill Chapel, 4550 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30319.