Beverly Ward Baker

Beverly Marie Ward Baker was called home by her Lord and Savior on October 5, 2026, following a long illness. She was born in Houston, Texas on February 5, 1931 to Earl and Grace Ward and graduated from Lamar High School in 1949, where she excelled in academics and was active in numerous clubs. She attended Rice University, receiving a BA in Literature in1953. While at Rice, she distinguished herself through student government, campus leadership and numerous honors, serving on the Student Council and as President of the Elizabeth Baldwin Literary Society. Beverly was selected as a Rice Honoree and Junior Duchess of the Rondelet Court and was nominated for Outstanding Senior in the Class of 1953. She made many life-long friends at Rice, several of which she played bridge with for over 60 years. Beverly remained involved with Rice throughout her adult life, serving on the Admissions Committee and as a member of the Friends of Fondren Library.

While at Rice she met the love of her life, Walter Searles Baker, Jr. They were married on December 17, 1954, and remained devoted to each other until Walter’s death in 2022. Following graduation, Beverly worked as an elementary school teacher until 1957, when she retired from teaching and started a family.

Beverly was the person that everyone loved and loved being around, truly beautiful inside and out. Her sunny disposition and infectious smile lit up every room she was in, and her generous spirit was at the center of every relationship. She was quick to laugh and slow to anger and was game for any adventure. Her generosity knew no bounds. Beverly was an accomplished cook and loved sharing her table with family and friends, making gumbo from scratch, pralines, lemon jello cake and heart attack casserole.

Beverly’s life was characterized by strong faith, love of family, and service to friends and community. She was a longtime and devoted member of St Philip Presbyterian Church in Houston. She was involved in many ministries through the church, most notably ones that helped underserved women and children, making countless quilts for new babies.

Though Beverly gave freely to her friends, her church and community, it was her beloved family that was the true focus of her time, talents and love. She was fiercely proud of her four children and loved and encouraged them through every stage of life. When she became “Granny” she embraced that role with unbridled enthusiasm and love. When the grandchildren were young, she would invite them over to share her many gifts with them -- like cooking, sewing, quilt making, scrapbooking, and Sound of Music reenactments. She wanted to be part of their lives and pass on her love of life. As her children and grandchildren grew older, she would often call them just to check in and the first thing she would ask is “what can I help you with?” And she meant it. Even as her illness progressed, she would always turn the conversation back to how she could help someone else. It was second nature to her.

Beverly was preceded in death by her husband Walter, her parents, Earl and Grace Ward, her son Timothy David Baker, her beloved brother Harold Ward, her father and mother-in-law Walter and Virginia Baker, her brothers in law Gerald A. Baker and Norman Garner, and her life-long best friend, Peggy Duffy. Beverly is survived by sisters in law Shirley Garner and Sarah Baker; her son Bryan Baker and his wife, Claire, her daughter Laura Faison, her son Walter A. (“Drew”) Baker and his wife Jeannette; her much adored grandchildren Joseph Faison, Bryan Davis Baker and his wife Olivia, Elizabeth Faison Clifton and her husband Phillip, Melissa Baker Novotny and her husband Justin, Kate Faison, Alice Baker and her wife Hollie, John McAllister Baker and his wife Grace, and Walter Andrew Baker, Jr. and his wife Taylor; and her greatgrandchildren Hank, Walter and Lucinda Clifton, Nancy, Tom, Andrew and Junia Novotny, Lois Faison, Brooks, Bryan and Clay Baker, and Annabelle Baker.

The family will gather for a visitation at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77077 on October 16, 2026 from 1:00 pm-2:00 pm followed by a Funeral Service at the same location at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of the customary remembrances, the family requests donations in Beverly’s memory to be directed to The Timothy David Baker Endowed Scholarship in Marine and Freshwater Biology at The University of Texas P.O. Box 7458, Austin TX 78713-7458 or to a charity of your choice.