Lillie Etta Sparkman Baker, 92 of Conover, NC went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025, at her residence surrounded by her loved ones.
Born on April 1st, 1933, in Georgetown County, SC, Lillie was the daughter of the late Elijah Sparkman and Elder Sarah Gilliard-Swinton Sparkman. Lillie Etta relocated to New York City and worked in the Garment/Fashion District until leaving New York City and moving to North Carolina. Lillie Etta work at Broyhill Furniture in Newton, NC and retired after over 20 years as a drawer builder and machine operator.
She was a faithful member of City of Praise; she was ordained as an Elder in the Lord’s church on May 22, 1997 and served as an effective Elder, leader, prayer warrior, and friend. Lillie Etta enjoyed shopping and reading her Bible; most of all her greatest joy was spending time with her family.
In addition to her parents, Lillie is preceded in death by her husband Bobby Joe Baker; siblings: Neila Walls, Louwiser Macon, Elijah Sparkman, Jr., Rosa Bell Hart, Lela Bell Goodwin, Arthur Sparkman, Isaac Sparkman, and Earl Sparkman.
Those left to cherish her memory include her two daughters, Rosalind Baker Loritts of Hickory, NC and Michele Baker Hewitt of Catawba, NC; stepson, Derrick Evans (Butchie) Baker of Asheville; five grandchildren, David Nelson Loritts of Hickory, NC, Anastasia Natasha Loritts of Hickory, NC, Michael Christopher Martin of Catawba, NC, Jasmine Michele Martin of Raleigh, NC, Satiyah Sarai Hewitt of Catawba, NC; and great-granddaughter, Gia Simone Hutchison of Raleigh, NC; sisters Almaree Headrick of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Sara Jane Nesbit of Charleston, SC; a brother, Eddie Kenneth Sparkman of New York, NY; City of Praise church family, a host of nieces and nephews, extended family members, cousins and friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Catawba Funeral Home on June 26, 2025, at 2pm with Pastor Terry L. Phillips officiating. She will be laid to rest following the service at Catawba Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1pm to 2pm.
Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.
The Baker Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.
