Anola Baird

Anola Baird was born in Houston, Texas, on March 17, 1956, to Saradel Lilljadehl Hart and Toley William Hart. She grew up in Northeast Houston and spent her childhood and teenage years living off Laura Kope, where she formed the earliest bonds that would shape her life. She passed away on December 29, 2025, after living a full and vibrant life—one defined by deep devotion to her family, joy in her friendships, and an enduring passion for travel. She welcomed people into her life with an open heart and open arms, and her presence was unforgettable.

From a young age, Anola had a gift for forming meaningful connections. She met and kept many dear friends throughout her childhood, junior high, and high school years. A proud graduate of Smiley High School, Class of 1974, she was well known for her active social life and her popularity as a member of the drill team. The friendships she made during those early years remained precious to her throughout her life. In her later years, she cherished monthly lunches with these lifelong friends—gatherings that brought her immense joy and comfort.

Anola began her long and successful career with Memorial Radiology Associates in 1982, mentored by her cousin Glenda Skinner. From the very beginning, she became a cornerstone of the MRA practice, known for her sharp mind, unwavering work ethic, and natural ability to bring order to even the most chaotic situations. Over the years, she grew into a driving force in Radiology Business Management, helping shape and strengthen the practices she served with vision, dedication, and a deep sense of responsibility.

Her leadership was respected across the field—and, as many would jokingly admit, she struck fear in the heart of every doctor she worked with. Not out of harshness, but because she set high standards, expected excellence, and had a remarkable ability to see straight through excuses. Those who worked with her knew that behind her firmness was a fierce loyalty and a genuine desire to help everyone succeed.

During her nearly 40 year career, culminating in her retirement in 2019 as the COO of Synergy Radiology Associates and Practice Director at Mednax Radiology, Anola built not only successful operations but also lasting friendships that became like family. Among the most cherished were her decades long bonds with Glaydene Blundell and Tena Graham—relationships rooted in trust, laughter, and shared purpose. Her colleagues admired her, relied on her, and loved her, and her influence continues to live on in the many people she mentored and inspired.

Her passions were many: spending time with family and friends, cheering on her favorite sports teams, enjoying music, sharing laughter, reading, and traveling whenever she could. Travel brought her immense joy, allowing her to experience the world while creating treasured memories with the people she loved most.

Anola was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, Richard Neil Baird (8/7/2024), as well as her parents, Toley William Hart (2/10/2003) and Saradel Lillajadahl Hart (3/17/2007).

She is survived by her four children: Regina Vargas (Alfonso Jr.); Debra E. Biondolillo; Virginia Curran; and her only son, Ricky Lee Baird. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren—Sera, Kirsten, Chelsea, Helena, Emilia, Ariel, and her grandson Jacob, with whom Anola treasured the extra time she was able to spend during the last couple of years of her life. She took great joy in encouraging him, supporting his goals, and watching him grow into the young man he is becoming. She is also survived by five great grandchildren—Eli, Haku, Aston, and Amadeus—with two precious babies on the way.

Anola is further survived by her brother, Kyle Toley Hart, who was born three years after her. From the moment he arrived, the two shared a classic brother and sister bond—full of teasing, loyalty, and a deep, unspoken love that carried through every stage of their lives. Kyle and his wife, Kathy Hart, remain grateful for the countless memories, laughter, and closeness that defined their sibling relationship. Anola is also survived by two nephews, Joshua Hart and Justin (Olivia) Hart; a niece, Laura (Bret) Hart; as well as great nieces and great nephews who brought her much joy.

Anola Baird will be remembered for her loving heart, her joyful spirit, and her remarkable ability to make everyone feel like family. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched, the memories she created, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

A Poem for Anola

Written in her honor

A mother’s love is a quiet light, soft as dawn, yet strong enough to guide a lifetime.

It lingers in the spaces between moments— in the warmth of a shared laugh, in the comfort of a familiar voice, in the gentle way she made the world feel safe.

Love like hers does not end. It settles into the hearts of those she touched, becoming memory, becoming strength, becoming the echo of her presence in every tomorrow.

Though loss feels heavy, love remains heavier— a weight that lifts instead of burdens, a reminder that a mother’s spirit never truly leaves.

She lives in every story told, every tradition carried forward, every act of kindness learned from her hands.

And in the quiet moments, when the world grows still, her love returns— soft as a whisper, strong as a promise, eternal as the bond between mother and child.

A Message of Faith

As we celebrate her life, we take comfort in knowing that Anola is now at peace in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her faith has carried her home, and she rests safely in His eternal love.

“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” – Proverbs 31:28

A memorial service will be held at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home in the Grand Hall, located at 18000 Interstate 45 South, The Woodlands, Texas, 77384. The service is scheduled for January 10, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.