Virginia Robinson Baker

Virginia Robinson Baker, 89, of Jonesboro, died at her home Friday morning, Sept. 6, 2013, surrounded by her loving family. She was born Nov. 15, 1923, in Jonesboro to Henry Lucius and Arabella Barton Robinson, who were descended from pioneer families of Jonesboro, including the P.C. Barton family, the Mandred Robinson Family and the Rosa Loftis family. This rich family heritage was important to Mrs. Baker, as was her lifelong, faithful membership in First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, and her membership in the Jonesboro chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution for more than 50 years. Mrs. Baker also treasured her connections to Arkansas State University, where she received her bachelor's degree in education in 1943. She used her teaching degree for 13 years in Leachville, Black Oak and Marked Tree, where her students called her "Our Miss Brooks." Having no children of her own, she became a listening ear to her students while she served as a class sponsor and along with her husband, Wayne Baker, accompanied her students on their senior trips. Another connection to ASU was Mrs. Baker's membership in Alpha Gamma Delta, which she was active in throughout her college years and as an alumna. In later years, Mr. and Mrs. Baker were devoted ASU fans who were present at most home basketball and football games, with Mrs. Baker always proudly dressed in red. ASU honored Mr. and Mrs. Baker in 2009 as Distinguished Alumni. Mrs. Baker left her teaching career to join Mr. Baker in the business world. Side by side, they began their partnership by establishing N. E. Ark. Fence Company. The young entrepreneurs went on to establish Baker Rentals and Sales, Baker Healthcare, W.F. and V.R. Baker Enterprises, Southwest Business Center and several other properties. The Bakers have served as benefactors to Arkansas Children's Hospital, Arkansas State University, Northeast Arkansas Food Bank and Craighead County Community Foundation, where they financed an endowment. She loved entertaining in her lovely home and acted as hostess for receptions, teas and parties for various groups. Memorable occasions were a family wedding and a special 75th Anniversary Tea for the D.A.R. Mrs. Baker's rose garden was a source of great enjoyment for her, and she also passed the time admiring the view from her family room, which included the Joe N. Martin Expressway. Her family will remember Aunt Virginia for her kindness, her generosity and her loving ways. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Rosalee Robinson Martin and Jane Robinson; and a very special nephew, Thomas Carroll Martin Jr. She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Wayne Franklin Baker, of the home; sister, Marilyn Robinson Pickler of Jonesboro; loving nieces, Robin (David) Yates, Julia Martin Robinson, Liz (Tommy) Martin and Anita Pickler Manuel of Jonesboro; Jennifer Pickler of Corinth, Texas, and Karmen (Vernon) Robertson of Bucklin, Mo.; loving nephews, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Charles D. Martin (Cyd) of Little Rock and David Anthony (Beth) Pickler, Germantown, Tenn. A special thank-you is extended to family friend Vickie Hickey and to Mrs. Baker's caregivers during her recent illness. Visitation will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, followed by a celebration of her life at 3 p.m., with Dr. Bruce Tippit officiating. The private burial will be at Jonesboro Memorial Park, following the service. Services were entrusted to Gregg-Langford Bookout Funeral Home. Pall bearers will be nephews David Yates, Marty Yates, David Pickler, Vernon Robertson, Charles Martin and Tom Martin. Honored to serve as honorary pallbearers are the member the DAR. The family asks that memorials be sent to any ministry of First Baptist Church, 701 Main Street, Jonesboro. Online: www.mcnabbfuneralhomes.com.