Carolyn Kelly Baker, age 84, passed away peacefully at her home on November 11, 2019. Carolyn was born on July 23, 1935 and was raised in Henderson, KY by her devoted parents, Archie and Helen Riehl. She attended Barret High School and then Indiana University where she was a Phi Beta Kappa and a member of Delta Delta Delta. She was homecoming queen at both Barret HS and Indiana University.
Carolyn married and was predeceased by James Lafayette Kelly of Atlanta. They were married for 34 years before his passing. They were blessed with two daughters Lynne Kelly Williams (Milton), and Clare Kelly O’Shaughnessey (Michael) and five grandchildren. Kelly Williams, Margot Williams, Wells Williams, Jamey O’Shaughnessey and Alex O’Shaughnessey.
Carolyn enlarged her family when she later married Paul W. Baker in 1997. She gained three wonderful sons, their wives and their children. Drs Jeff and Alicia Baker and daughters, Madeline and Rachel, Jim and Karen Baker, and daughter, Natalie and Stuart and Tracy Baker and children, Owen and Millie. She loved them all and was supported by them when Paul passed away in 2014 until the day she passed. She was thrilled to have added three sons and Lynne and Clare are thrilled to have gained three brothers and their families.
Carolyn spent time at St Anne’s Episcopal Church with Paul but the last 6 years she devoted her time to Trinity Presbyterian Church where she had originally been a member. She thoroughly enjoyed her Women’s Circle, Pastors Aid group and other spiritual groups which gave her such joy.
Carolyn was adored by her family, grandchildren, and friends. She spent countless hours going to all the grandchildrens’ activities and sports. Through the years, she also enjoyed playing tennis, bridge, going to plays, the ballet, the symphony, or lecture series at the History Center with all of her dear friends. She also enjoyed traveling and was an avid reader, enjoying many years with her bookclub friends. There was never a dull day.
Carolyn used her gifts and talents in many ways throughout her 60 years in Atlanta. She was a founding member of the Riverridge Garden Club, President and life-long supporter of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, as well as Chairman of the Junior Committee of the High Museum of Atlanta and an active member of the Junior League.
Her family will remember her love of sports and the outdoors, her flower garden, and the array of birds flocking to her full feeders outside the den window. She was a Master gardener sharing her love and knowledge of plants with family and friends to help them create and enjoy gardening as she did throughout her life.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church on Friday, November 22 at 2:00 pm. In Lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) or to Trinity Presbyterian Church or to a charity of your choice.
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