Mary Catherine (Williamson) Baker

Mary Catherine Baker, 88, passed away Friday, February 21, 2014 in Houston, Texas. She was born on Monday, April 20, 1925 in Stark, Kansas, the daughter of Melvin Russell Williamson and Gladys Alta Mathers.

Mary is survived by husband John Clyde Baker, Jr.; son Timothy of Houston, sister Dicy Jansen of Erie, Kansas, daughter-in-law Carolyn, daughter-in-law Carrie, son-in-law Herb, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by son John Michael Baker, daughter Laurie Whalley, and sister Laurel Goodwin of Joplin, Missouri

Mary grew up in Stark, Kansas and graduated from Grant Township Rural High School in 1942. After graduation, she went to work as a secretary in an accounting firm in Ottawa, Kansas. She married her husband of 63 years on August 27, 1950 in Melvern, Kansas. Shortly after marrying, the couple relocated to Manhattan, Kansas where Mary worked in the history department of Kansas State College while John completed his education. They then moved to Wichita, Kansas where Mary raised her three children.

Natives of Kansas, the Bakers joined Fair Haven United Methodist Church when they moved to Houston in early 1967. What began as a part-time job at Fair Haven in 1973 soon developed into a full-time position as secretary to the Education Department and Music Department. In 1983 her duties expanded to include being the secretary to numerous senior pastors and associate ministers. After 17 years at Fair Haven, she retired from work in 1990 although she continued to serve the church in many ways. She helped start the Fair Haven Food Pantry, was a member of the handbell choir, and also was the secretary and treasurer of the Searchers Sunday School class.

Mary enjoyed many hobbies such as sewing, quilting, reading, painting, and genealogy. She will be remembered as a faithful and humble servant of God, a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother, and friend to many.

Family and friends gathed for a celebration of Mary's life, in the sanctuary of Fair Haven United Methodist Church, 1330 Gessner in Houston, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2014. Immediately following the service, all were invited to join the family in sharing memories at a reception in the Fellowship Hall.

It is the family's fondest wish that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Mary's name to the Food Pantry at Fair Haven United Methodist Church, 1330 Gessner Houston, Texas 77055 (713) 467-4363.