Dorothy Mae Baker

Dorothy was educated in the Wilmington public school system and graduated from Williston High School. She continued her education, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in 1948 from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina. She later received her Master’s degree from the North Carolina College at Durham (now North Carolina Central University).

She began her professional life as an elementary school teacher, working near Augusta, GA. Dorothy embarked on the path to her true career calling as a librarian at West Virginia State College from 1952 through 1957. From 1957 through 1989, Dorothy worked for the Detroit Public Library (DPL). Throughout her career, she was an advocate for reading, literacy, and education. She retired in 1989 as the DPL Director of Children’s Services.

Dorothy married Elijah L. Baker of Elyria, OH on November 7, 1959. In November 1964, they welcomed their only child, Patricia Anne, to the family. In May, 1973, Elijah transitioned into eternal life.

Throughout her life, Dorothy was committed to building community. She regularly gave of herself serving at soup kitchens, food pantries, and other community service organizations.

Importantly, Dorothy was a woman of God. Although she was raised in the Baptist tradition, Dorothy converted to Catholicism as a young adult. She lived a life based on servant leadership. In Detroit, she was a member of Gesu Catholic Church for over 45 years.

Dorothy treasured her relationships with people in every part of her life. As such, she developed a large “extended family.” Due to her generous spirit and giving nature, neighbors, co-workers, fellow Gesu parishioners, friends, and many others treated her as family and she did the same.

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Baker-Simon (Kyle) of Mitchellville, MD; three loving granddaughters, Kyra, Mia, and Kayla Simon of Mitchellville, MD; and her brother, Edward Sutton (June) of Detroit, MI; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31: 25 – 31

Arrangements under the direction of Robert E. Evans Funeral Home, Bowie, MD.