Murlene Baker passed from this life on January 24, 2026 at the age of 95. She was born in Vernon, Texas June 8, 1930 to Edgar Houston and Mildred Murl Beene Chilcutt. She married Jesse Baker, Jr. on August 17, 1948. They were lovingly married for 66 years and were the best of friends and true partners in life. Murlene was a bookkeeper and worked alongside her husband, and then their son, at their family accounting firm. She was a faithful Christian and a member of the Blyth Road church of Christ. Throughout her life, she served as a Bible class teacher, assisted with youth events, and faithfully supported her husband with his service as a deacon and then elder in the church. She also spent many years with the church choral group singing at weddings and funerals. She enjoyed traveling and took many vacations and road trips with Jesse and other family members throughout her lifetime. Murlene was an avid reader, enjoying books even when she had to switch to large print and use a magnifier. She loved to crochet and sew, making many clothes for her daughters and granddaughters through the years. Murlene enjoyed doing puzzles and playing dominos, specifically chicken foot, and spent many Friday nights playing with family and friends. She had a gentle, quiet spirit and the sweetest smile that she will always be remembered for.
Murlene is survived by her daughters, Sharon Lumpkins and husband, Gary and Linda Slough and husband, Gary; son, Jimmy Baker and wife, Paula; grandchildren, Shanna Dusza and husband, Mat, Shane Lumpkins and wife, Whitney, Courtney Slough, Ashley Slough, Lindsey Baker and Laura Greene and husband, Mike; great-grandchildren, Austin Lumpkins and Evie, Annie and Adelaide Dusza; brother, Tommy Chilcutt and wife, Kim; brother-in-law, Howard Plumlee and wife, Paulette; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jesse Baker, Jr.; her parents, Ed and Murl Chilcutt; her sisters, Annie Plumlee and Verna Martin; and her brother-in-law, Bill Martin.
Our family would like to say a special thank you to the nurses at Citizens Hospital and all of the doctors that attended to her there over the last month. We appreciate your compassion, kindness, and care given to our mother.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 PM Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Colonial Funeral Home. Services will then be held at 2 PM with Mr. Jimmy Baker officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Shane Lumpkins, Ashley Slough, Austin Lumpkins, Mat Dusza, Mike Greene, Dale Fowler, Rocky Hansen, Bruce Hill and Richard Smith.
Thoughts and memories may be shared at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com.
