Jean Marie (Secrest) Baker

Jean Marie (Secrest) Baker was born to the late Mr. And Mrs. Richard and LaVerna Secrest. When Jean was born, another family tried to claim her as their own as she had fair skin and red hair (her parent’s both had dark hair)! However, her parents knew she was their precious baby girl. Her father provided for the family as a painter. Her mother was a homemaker and took great pride in taking care of the family. As the first born, Jean cared for her seven younger siblings with a natural motherly instinct. She grew up in the Muskegon area and was a student in the Muskegon Heights and Muskegon school systems. Later, Jean would go on to receive her diploma from Orchard View. She was interested in business and the medical field. Ultimately, she furthered her education at Muskegon Business College and Baker College respectfully. Throughout her life, she held many titles in the workforce. She was especially proud to take care of patients as a certified nurse aide. However, her greatest achievement in the workforce was the business she shared with her husband Carl.

Jean married the love of her life, Carl E. Baker on December 8, 1972. Jean desperately wanted to start a family of her own. She stated that her most important goal in life was to have children. Over time, she gave life to three beautiful children (Kimberly, Carl, and Amanda). As a mother, she taught her children how to love fiercely and unconditionally. Jean was an extremely loyal, sweet, generous, honest, caring, loving, yet feisty individual. These traits will live on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and generations to come.

Jean was the type of person that would do anything to help anyone in need even if that meant a huge sacrifice on her part. At the drop of a hat, she would care for her grandchildren to help her kids succeed in life. She always put everyone’s needs ahead of her own. Her grandchildren were especially close to her as she cared for each one as they grew. Jean embraced her role as a great grandmother. She was especially close to the newest addition to the family, Jasper. She stated to Carl, “I love him so much because I get to raise you all over again”. These sweet words show how truly passionate and caring she was to all.

Jean loved to garden and plant flowers. Amanda inherited her green thumb and the two worked together to beautify their yards yearly. She would can salmon, tomato's, fruits, and vegetables with her husband Carl. She crocheted many items for family members to enjoy and cherish. Jean took classes in cake decorating and woodworking with her sister, Debbie. Many delicious and beautiful desserts were made. Kim learned the art of baking and cake decorating from her. Jean even built a hope chest for her daughter with the skills she learned. The hope chest is overflowing with blankets to keep everyone warm to this day. Jean had a special bond with her only son, Carl. She was his campfire leader for a few years and taught him about the great outdoors, crafts, and the value of hard work. Exercise was a large part of her life in the earlier years. She would frequently take the kids for 3-mile walks or have the kids work out with her to videos. She took classes in oil painting. When times were hard, she would use her sewing skills to make clothes for her children. She would take the kids and spend endless hours at JoAnn Fabrics trying to find the perfect patterns. Jean knew how to make a dollar stretch to make sure the family was provided for. Her husband, Carl, would often call all the stores in town looking for her as she was gone so long!

Jean is survived by her Children: Kimberly (Paul) VanDusen, Carl Baker, Amanda (Charles) Fogleson, Lori (Chris) Baade; Grandchildren: Kiah (Ethan) Bowen, Evie VanDusen, Ellis VanDusen, Makenna Hagstrom, Jacey Helsel, Jasper Baker, Gwyneth Fogleson, Andrew Fogleson, Amber Baade, Lissa (Brandon) Swarts, Cailey Baade; Great Grandchildren: Ian Bowen, Phoenix Bowen, Willow Bowen; Sisters: Debra (Daniel) Thompson, Katherine Hulbert; Brother: Lawrence Secrest; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jean was preceded in death by her Husband: Carl E. Baker; Parents: Richard and LaVerna Secrest; Brothers: Richard Secrest, Robert Secrest, LaVern Secrest, and Wayne Secrest.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Ever Rest Funeral Home (1783 E. Keating Ave. Muskegon, MI 49442). Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4-7pm at the funeral home, and again on Thursday at 12:00pm (one hour prior to the funeral). A celebration of Jean’s life will immediately follow at Northway Lanes 1751 Evanston Ave. Muskegon, MI 49442 (in the banquet hall). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family to purchase the grave marker for Carl and Jean Baker. May they rejoice together in heaven.