Lenora Grice Baker, known affectionately as Lenora to her friends and family, was a beacon of unwavering strength and selfless love throughout her 85 years of life. Born on May 12, 1938, in the serene town of Norman Park, Georgia, Lenora's journey began as a bright light in the lives of those around her. Her departure on January 6, 2024, in Dothan, Alabama, after an extended illness, has left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her.
Lenora's early education in Moultrie High School laid the foundation for a life characterized by resilience and dedication. In the early 1960s, she planted her roots in Midland City, Alabama, where she would grow a family, career, and community that thrived on her nurturing presence. Her work with GTE as an operator in Ozark saw her through until her retirement in 1993, but her passion for service led her to the Midland City Library, where she continued to enrich the lives of others until her second retirement in 2015.
Family was the cornerstone of Lenora's world. She is survived by a lineage of love that includes her son, Reginald Earl Baker, Sr., her daughter, Belinda (Bobby) Hines, her cherished six grandchildren, Reginald Earl Baker, Jr., Benjamin David Baker, Trawick Corie Thompson, Kendra Nicole Festian, Victoria Hines Price, and Olivia Hines Simmons, and sixteen great-grandchildren who will carry forward her legacy. Her brother, David (Linda) Grice, and her sister, Camellia "Mickey" (Kenneth) Walker, along with several nieces and nephews, are a testament to the familial bonds that she treasured above all else. Lenora was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Baker, and by her daughter, Lori Ann Baker.
Lenora's interests were as generous as her spirit. She was a headstrong woman who would move mountains for anyone in need, always standing by their side with unwavering support. Her love for her family was unparalleled, and she was often described as the glue that held them all together. As a founding member of Harvest Church in Dothan, she not only contributed to its growth but also founded the Lenora Baker Small Group, touching countless lives through her faith and fellowship.
A masterful creator of confections, Lenora's cakes, especially her pound cake, were a symbol of her love, a sweet reminder of her presence at family gatherings and church events. Her passion for baking was just one of the many ways she expressed her love and brought joy to those around her.
Lenora's life was a living example of the adage, "To the world, you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." This sentiment resonates with the impact she had on her community and loved ones. Her faith-filled life, marked by loving kindness, was a source of inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A celebration of Lenora's life will be a reflection of the joy and love she shared so freely. The service will be held at 3 pm on Sunday, January 14, 2024, in the Harvest Church chapel with Rev. Larry Anderson officiating. The family is receiving friends one hour prior to the service in the Harvest Chapel. Friends and family will gather to honor her memory and the light she brought into their lives. Lenora will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park, where her legacy will continue to shine brightly.
The family is accepting flowers or would appreciate memorial donations be made to Harvest Church in Lenora's honor.
In the words of Helen Keller, "What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." Lenora's spirit, her selfless devotion, and her unwavering faith have become an integral part of the lives she touched. Her memory will be cherished, her lessons will be honored, and her love will continue to guide those she has left behind. Lenora's life was a testament to the power of love and the strength of the human spirit, and her story will continue to inspire for generations to come.