Dr. Gwendolyn Calvert Baker

Gwendolyn Joyce Calvert-Baker was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan on December 31, 1931 to Viola "Sweet" (Lee) Calvert, and Edward Burgess Calvert. Gwendolyn was the eldest of five siblings.

Gwendolyn grew up and attended public schools in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 1949 serving as class president, Gwen graduated cum laude from Ann Arbor High School. Following graduation, Gwen enrolled as a freshman at the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor, where she eventually earned three degrees cum laude; a Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education; a Master of Arts in Educational Administration; and, a Doctorate in Education.

In 1950 Gwen Married her high school sweet heart James Grady Baker, and to that union three children were born; JoAnn Elizabeth, Claudia Jayne, and James Grady, Jr. While raising her family, Gwen attended to her U of M studies, served as the Secretary for Second Baptist Church, and was an admissions clerk at the U of M Hospital.

Gwendolyn was referred to by most as Dr. Baker, and thought of by many who knew her well as, "A Spirited Black Woman in a White World," as she portrays herself in her most recent publication and /or memoirs titled "A Hot Fudge Sunday in a White Paper Cup.'

Dr. Baker had an extraordinary career. Gwen was a nationally known educator; international leader of Multiculturalism in education; and an activist on issues related to children and women. Early in her career Gwen taught in the Ann Arbor Public Schools; was a U of M instructor; associate professor and, director of Affirmative Action Programs. Gwen also lectured on a national level; was Chief of minorities and women programs for the National institute of Education in Washington, D.C.; Vice President and Dean at Bank Street Graduate College of Education in New York City; President of New York City Board of Education; National Executive Director of the YWCA of USA; and, President and CEO for US Committee for UNICEF.

In addition to Dr. Baker's U of M degrees she received several honorary doctorates, and other distinguished awards too numerous to mention. Gwen was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority U of M Ann Arbor chapter, and founder of the Links Ann Arbor chapter. Gwendolyn was highly service driven; having served on many corporate and non-profit boards. Additionally Gwen traveled world wide; enjoyed reading; collecting fine art; relished fine dinning; loved the opera; the theatre, golfing, tennis and swimming.

Gwendolyn leaves to cherish her memories two adult children ; JoAnn Elizabeth Baker-Gomez, and James Grady Baker, Jr.; two grand children Marshall Eugene James Baker (Marcella) of Atlanta, Georgia; Amanda Jayne Baker of Ann Arbor, Michigan; four great grand children; MiKayla A, Maya J., McKinley J., and Maliyah K., of Atlanta Georgia; three siblings; Burgess Duane Calvert, Bernadene DeJarnette, Russell Lee Calvert (Helen Doris) all of Ann Arbor, Michigan; a host of nieces and nephews and other relatives and close family friends, especially her very close friend and professional confidant, Dr. Evelyn K. Moore, of Washington D.C.

Gwendolyn was preceded in death by her daughter Claudia Jayne Baker; her husband of 30 years James Grady Baker, Sr.; both her parents and a brother Donald Eugene Calvert.

A Celebration of Life/Memorial Service will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 120 South State Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104, on July 11, 2019 @ 10:00 A.M.

In lieu of sending flowers, please make memorial contributions to the University of Michigan, School of Education to assist minority students.

Gwendolyn you are much loved and will be greatly missed, may you rest in Peace!