Sue Anne Baker, of Columbus, Georgia, passed away July 4, 2025 at the age of 79. A native of Quincy, Florida, she was born December 30, 1945 to the late John Douglas Owens and Marylee Owens. She graduated from Quincy High School in 1963 and received her undergraduate degree from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama in elementary education. She taught 3rd and 5th grades in Cape Canaveral, Florida for two years before embarking on a new career as a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines, based in New Orleans. While in New Orleans, she was set up on a blind date with Champ Baker, Jr., a young medical student from Alexandria, LA. They married in 1971 and spent the next half-century until his untimely passing in 2022.
They moved to Columbus in 1982 to join the Hughston Clinic following Baker’s military service in the army. In Columbus, Sue Anne became an active member of the community. She served on advisory boards for the Columbus Botanical Garden, Columbus Museum, and The Bo Bartlett Center. She was also president of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, race director of the Columbus Steeplechase, and chaired the fundraising effort for the 1996 Olympic softball venue in Columbus. She delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. Whatever activities her three children were involved in, she supported fully and travelled to many athletic events for soccer, basketball, football, golf, tennis, and gymnastics.
With her husband, she traveled the world for many orthopaedic meetings. The friends she made on these trips remained among her dearest for decades. She was a role model for the many spouses of surgeons who trained at the Hughston Clinic. She remained close with her high school friends, and they would get together every year. She had several circles of close-knit friends here in Columbus, including the Lemon Tree Garden Club, book club, and Eruditia.
She could effortlessly converse with anyone, anywhere, so much so that her grandchildren often hesitated to run errands with her for fear of the the lengthy conversations she would undoubtedly strike up.
She was always perfectly put together, elegant and ready for any occasion. She was the perfect hostess, embodying grace and hospitality, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her presence brought beauty to the world and touched everyone she encountered. She and her husband adored each other, and it brings her family solace and comfort to know they are together again forever.
She is survived by her son, Dr. Champ Baker III (wife Dr. Karin Baker); daughters Kate Aghevli (husband Kaveh) and Sarah Andrus (husband Brent). She was known as “Annie” to her beloved 8 grandchildren who truly were her pride and joy; Champ IV (Lee) and Caroline Baker; Adeleh, Grady, and Kian Aghevli; and Hank, Sam, and Jack Andrus. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Mac Kincaid; her niece, Laura Eisses; her nephew, Cody Hall; and her aunt, Jeanette Smith.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Sue Anne Baker to The Bo Bartlett Center, c/o Columbus State University, 4225 University Ave., Columbus, GA 31907 or St. Luke United Methodist Church Meals on Wheels Ministry, 1104 Second Ave., Columbus, GA 31901.
