Evelyn "BeBe" Baker

Evelyn “Bebe” Anderson Baker, a genteel southern lady, died, peacefully, on February 10th at her home of 60 years in Avondale in Jacksonville, Florida, at the age of 91. She was born on May 23, 1925, in Anderson, South Carolina, to Louis H. Anderson and Evelyn Cunningham.

During her early childhood, she lived in Anderson, South Carolina, and Birmingham, Alabama, then moved to Jacksonville in 1940. She graduated from Robert E. Lee High School before attending Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Virginia. After graduating in 1947, she returned to Jacksonville and taught at Landon Elementary School before meeting and marrying James “Jimmy” D. Baker, Jr., her devoted husband, in 1950.

Bebe’s priorities in life were her family, her home, and Riverside Presbyterian Church where she was a member for over 60 years. She served as a Stephen’s Minister and was active in the George Simons Bible Study, church circle, Meals on Wheels, and visiting those in nursing homes and hospitals. For over 50 years, she and her lifelong friends met monthly for lunch and Book Club. Additionally, she loved gardening, enjoyed china painting, and was an accomplished seamstress. In her later years, the joys of her life were her grandchildren. They spent many afternoons playing board games and drinking Coke floats at “Grandmother’s” as she molded their early lives.

Bebe is survived by her sister, Mildred Anderson Burns (James) of Penny Farms; her sons, James Duncan Baker, III (Julie), Louis Anderson Baker (Susan), and Robert McNair Baker (Nancy); her beloved grandchildren, Catherine Baker Simms (John), James Duncan Baker, IV (Michelle), Elizabeth Baker Pegg (John), Jennifer Leigh Baker, and Tory Anderson Baker; and her extended family of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband, James Duncan Baker, Jr., and her sister, Mary McCorkle Anderson.

The family would especially like to thank Geneva McClain and her caregivers whose devoted service over the last 5 years allowed Bebe to stay in the home that she loved.

In lieu of flowers, the Baker Family would be grateful for donations to Meals on Wheels at Riverside Presbyterian Church, 849 Park Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204.

A graveside service will be held 9am Friday February 17,2017 at Evergreen Cemetery 4535 Main St N, Jacksonville, FL 32206, followed by a 11am Funeral Service at Riverside Presbyterian Church 849 Park St, Jacksonville, FL 32204.

Arrangements entrusted to Hardage Giddens 729 S Edgewood Ave Jax. Fl 32205.