Anita Svea Baker Lloyd

Anita Baker-Lloyd was born in Memphis, Tennessee, the second eldest of nine children born to Esley Baker, Sr. and Dolores Baker. In 1959, Anita’s parents, guided by their strong faith in God, moved the family from Memphis to San Diego, California, where they began a new chapter in their lives.

The Baker family lived across the street from Calvary Baptist Church, where the late Reverend Lockridge served as pastor. We were blessed and honored to have Reverend Lockridge pray over our Baker family and help establish the spiritual foundation that would remain an important part of Anita’s life and our family’s journey.

One of Anita’s earliest spiritual highlights was her baptism. Her faith in God became a lasting source of strength and blessing throughout her life. We believe God continued to bless Anita with favor, grace, and so much more, and those blessings extended to our entire family.

Anita was a woman of many talents, gifts, and abilities. Her journey began at San Diego High School, where she was active in gymnastics and Home Economics. She developed a talent for sewing and became a skilled seamstress, with dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Although she ultimately chose a different path, her love of fashion led her to become a runway model, proudly representing Black models here in San Diego.

After graduating from high school, Anita continued her education at San Diego City College, where she pursued accounting while also becoming a cheerleader. Her education and natural business skills opened the door to a successful career in accounting, allowing her to work for several corporations. In the 1970s, Anita also became one of the first Black women to work as an airline stewardess, breaking barriers and creating opportunities through her determination and courage.

But Anita was not a woman who simply worked hard—she knew how to enjoy life and embrace adventure. Her hobbies and activities in her younger years were nothing short of extraordinary. Family outings to Mission Bay included water skiing, and Anita was always ready to experience something new. Nothing seemed to stop this thrill-seeker. Imagine seeing Anita parasailing in Rio de Janeiro—that’s exactly the kind of adventure she embraced! She also enjoyed riding motorcycles, driving fast and luxurious cars, and experiencing the finer things in life. Beautiful and opulent homes, exciting adventures, and memorable experiences were all part of the life she created for herself.

Anita also loved to dance. In the 1970s, she and her former husband enjoyed swing dancing together, long before Dancing with the Stars debuted in 2005. These moments reflected Anita’s joyful spirit and her ability to embrace life, have fun, and create lasting memories.

As remarkable as Anita’s adventures and accomplishments were, perhaps her most treasured role was that of a loving mother. She became our beloved queen and the devoted mother of her two handsome sons, David-Ryan Lloyd and Christopher Lloyd. Her sons went the distance caring for their mother, standing beside her with love, devotion, and support.

Anita also cherished the relationships she built throughout her life. Even with her busy schedule, numerous activities, and many accomplishments, she remained a warm and loving presence as a mother, sister, aunt, relative, and friend.

She especially enjoyed the lifelong bond she shared with her classmates from San Diego High School’s Class of 1966—the Cavers. Their beautiful tribute to Anita Baker-Lloyd was a heartfelt expression of the love, respect, and honor they held for her. We deeply appreciate their kindness, compassion, and the love they have shown Anita and our family.

Anita’s professional accomplishments were equally remarkable. One of the most significant highlights of her career came when she became the comptroller and accountant for her former husband, David Lloyd, and his Bay City Marine Shipyard business—the only Black-owned shipbuilding company in the United States at the time. Through Anita’s exceptional accounting knowledge, business skills, and dedication, she helped transform the company into a multimillion-dollar business during their nine-year union.

Anita and David were honored at the White House for their accomplishments at the shipyard, a tremendous recognition of their hard work and success.

Her life had taken her from humble beginnings in Memphis and San Diego to remarkable professional achievements and experiences that brought her into the public spotlight. Anita was even featured in Ebony magazine in the 1980s and was involved in hosting political events for Reverend Jesse Jackson.

Through every chapter of her life, Anita remained Anita—warm-hearted, generous, determined, adventurous, and willing to go the distance for anyone who needed help, whether in business or in life. She had a beautiful spirit, and there are countless wonderful adjectives that could be used to describe her. She was intelligent, talented, courageous, loving, and compassionate.

But to us, she was simply our Anita—our sister, our mother, our aunt, our relative, our friend, and our queen. As the Baker family, we will continue to love, support, and assist David-Ryan and Christopher as they grieve the loss of their mother, and we grieve the loss of our beloved sister. We ask that you continue to keep them, and our entire family, in your prayers. Let us continue to pray for one another without ceasing.

Anita Baker-Lloyd is survived by her sons, David "Ryan" Lloyd and Christopher Lloyd; Daughter-in-law, Alexa Lloyd; Granddaughter, Rose Lloyd; Former Husband, David Lloyd; The Baker Brothers, Esley, Don, Ray, Gary, Arthur and Norman; Sisters, Dale and Loretta; Aunt, Jonnie Branch; Uncle, Rev. Monroe Nunley and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends who cherished her.

Anita, your life was filled with faith, family, adventure, accomplishments, love, and unforgettable memories. Your legacy will continue through your sons, your family, your friends, your classmates, and everyone whose life you touched.

We love you, Anita, today and forevermore. May God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit be with you always. Amen.