Frances B. Baker

The daughter of Ellis and Helen Bingley, Frances grew up in Barhamsville, Virginia in the twenties and thirties, and later with her brother Buck. The family relocated to York County later in the thirties near the York River, where they ran a general store. With the coming of World War II, their land was seized by the federal government as a military base so then the family relocated to another location in York County to again operate a general store, which they did for over 40 years. The location of the store was later named Bingley’s Corner; Wawa is located there now.

Most importantly Frances met and married her spouse of 69 years Dick Baker in 1940. Dick served in the Navy in the Pacific during the war and upon his return, the couple settled into Williamsburg. Frances worked at Casey’s and then Bingley’s store, where she would remain for over 25 years.

Dick and Frances had a daughter, Cindy and a son, Richard. The family lived in the Magruder Heights/Wickre Street area with many families of the same age. It did take a village. One of the fondest memories was picnics on Sunday afternoons at the 4H-Club on the James River with so many families from the neighborhood.

Family was the center of Frances’s life; her children married and 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren followed. Mom became Granny. Her marriage flourished for 69 years until Dick passed in 2009. Shortly after that her daughter Cindy and her son-in-law Butch, moved to Williamsburg to care for Frances. They were a blessing to her with daily life for over 10 years. Mrs. Baker’s last year was in the care of Spring Arbor, the family is most grateful for their loving and professional care. Frances Bingley Baker loved the Williamsburg area and its people.

A Graveside Service will be held on September 17, 2022.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com for the Baker family.