Mrs. Beola Marie Bailey Baker

Beola Marie Bailey Baker was born to shine...and shine she did.

Beola was born in Polk County, Texas and raised in San Antonio, Texas by her parents, the late Rev. J. C. Bailey and Mrs. Bennie Lee Bailey. She was the proud mother of Mack W. Thomas III P.E., daughter-in-law, Fanny; and grandsons, Darian and Evan. Additionally, she was the beloved sister of Theresa Gordon (Oscar), and brother George Davis.

Beola was happily married to the late Wilton Baker from February 8, 1992 until his passing on August 16, 2006. They were members of God’s Grace Community Church under the leadership of Pastor Isaac Matthews.

A woman of many talents, Beola began at the age of 12, playing piano and directing the choir at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in San Antonio, Texas where her father pastored for over 38 years. During her high school years, she was a member of the National Honor Society and modeled professionally.

A few of her accomplishments are mentioned below:

• Graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas with a Bachelor of Arts Degree

• Included in the book, “Notable Women of Texas”, which recognized 500 Texas women for their significant contributions to the community

• Hosted a radio program on KTSU radio station in Houston, Texas titled “Career Opportunities in the 80s”. She gave advice on how to prepare for upcoming job opportunities in the next decade. What started as a three-part series was so successful that it grew to multiple segments.

• Maintained a dual career being employed by ExxonMobil for over 28 years while hosting her own public affairs talk show on Warner and Storer cable networks for almost 20 years. The show aired in Texas, parts of California, Arizona, and other parts of the United States. She was invited to be a celebrity guest in the audience when the Queen of England visited Houston in 1991. She was also known as the local “Oprah”.

• She successfully spearheaded an initiative to rename the Houston street Annex Drive to Rev. B. J. Lewis Dr.

• Raised money for the annual Lou Rawls UNCF telethon for multiple years

• Always having that entrepreneurial spirit, she was a Mary Kay Director and earned a director level car

• Contributed with twenty other professional women in writing “Overcomers...Women of Faith”. This book featured women sharing their stories of facing life’s challenges.

Below is a list of some of the churches that Beola played piano and organ for in Houston, Texas for over 50 years:

Holman Street Baptist Church

McGee Chapel Missionary Baptist Church

Galilee Missionary Baptist Church

Progressive Missionary Baptist Church

Lively Hope Missionary Baptist Church

Mary Olive Missionary Baptist Church

Her last career move involved teaching 4 and 5 year-olds piano lessons at “The Church Without Walls” Brookhollow Christian Academy. She loved this job... absolutely loved it. It made her smile from the inside out. So, to all (the “littles”) their parents, families, sponsors and participants, we the family, thank you!

Beola loved fashion. She was elegant! Beyond the fashion was the spirit and the heart of someone who lived as a child of God, a loving mother, a dear sister, a supportive family member and friend. As an active member of the community, all that knew and loved her feel blessed.