Obituary of Joyce Baker

Joyce Lawrence Baker passed away on Monday, June 14, 2021 at her home in Woodridge.  She was 73.

The daughter of the late Richard Lawrence and Lee Postell Lawrence, she was born July 11, 1947 in Harlem, New York.  She was the widow of James E. Baker Sr. who predeceased her on March 18, 2015.

Joyce was a beautiful caring person inside and out. She was well known as everybody's Ma and Grandma in her little, small town community. As a child she attended Kings Chapel Apostolic Church and was baptized by the late District Elder Wrenn. In 2015, she became the Mother of Heaven Bound Apostolic Pentecostal Church with District Elder James Andrew Hinton Sr. as overseer. She welcomed everyone into her home whenever they needed her without any judgement.  She worked many years for the ARC community where her loving spirit shined through while working with her coworkers and the residents. She will be remembered for her delicious cooked meals and her exceptional advice and knowledge she shared with family and friends. Most importantly she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren so very much - they meant the world to her.

She is survived by her children: Semmie Baker from Roswell, Georgia, and James Edward Baker Jr. (Ashley) from Glen Spey, New York; her grandchildren: Kalvin Carter, Evajae Powell, Derik Powell, Ashanti Carter-Russell (Nicholas), Shakree Gibson, Zaynah Baker, Trey Baker, N'tori Hagler, Evie Baker, William Baker, Donte Baker, Jayden Baker, LaDarien Baker, and Makayla Nash; five great grandchildren: Da’navaeh Palmer, Malik Russell, Zailah Johnson, Zy’aire Rogers-Baker, and Anastasia Gibson; her siblings: Doris Gay, Ann Young, Semmie Johnson, and Otha Lawrence; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her children, Stacy Baker and LeVan Baker; and her siblings, Harry Lawrence, Mildred Mathis, Naomi Lawrence, and Richard Lawrence Jr.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, June 26 from 2:00 to 5:00pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello.  Due to the current health crisis, social distancing guidelines must be met - a limited number of people at one time will be allowed in the funeral home and at the church, and facemasks are required. 

In lieu of flowers or food, memorial contributions can be made to VIK crowd funding to help aid in the cost of funeral expenses, your contribution will be greatly appreciated and we thank you in advance. In order to donate, please click on the ‘donate now’ button below. All donations are directly deposited to the funeral home for complete transparency & security

Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com