Grace Baker

Grace Baker, 67, peacefully passed away after an abrupt decline in health on Sunday, June 25, 2023, with her family by her side at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She was born on November 17, 1955 to Lawrence and Imogene Baker at Arkansas Methodist Hospital in Paragould, Arkansas.

Inquisitive and friendly, Grace had a zest for life and enjoyed many unique adventures in her early years such as being crowned the first ever Little Miss Greene County. Grace ultimately found her vocational footing in serving as Probation Officer (1996-2001) and ultimately as a traveling District Manager for the Dodge Store (2001-2006).

During her working years, Grace dedicated her time to her family and her passions. She created many great memories during those years including working in her flower and vegetable gardens with her children, earning Yard of The Month, as well as involvement in various youth groups, and perhaps more fondly to her than them, driving the school bus. Grace also loved raising chickens, sewing, and decorating unique birthday cakes, and could play music by ear, a talent that stayed with her through life.

Having traveled extensively in her teenage years, it was only natural that, in retirement, she drove a 40-foot-long 5th wheel RV throughout the United States with her beloved dachshund, Chip, to accompany her long-time partner on various job sites, adding distinctive memories and memorabilia to her already extensive collection.

Proceeding Grace in death were her parents and a daughter, Candace Scott. Her living family includes her companion of 23 years, Jim Scott of Lafe Arkansas; her children, Jenifer (Shawn) Hodge of Rockwall, Texas, Andrea (Chris) Ballard of Flower Mound, Texas, Lawrence (Amanda) Ryall stationed in Amwaj Island, Bahrain (U.S. Navy), and Brandon (Shayla) Scott of Paragould, Arkansas; three sisters, Linda Edrington of Brookland, Arkansas, Laura Baker of Tioga, North Dakota, and Gail Steward of Bald Knob, Arkansas. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, her two chihuahuas, Imy and Ruby, and a host of beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at the Heath Funeral Home in Paragould, Arkansas. Visitation is from 5-6pm with the service to follow.   In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to either the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, Arkansas https://www.stbernards.info/services/hospice or to Alzheimer’s disease awareness www.alz.org/arkansas www.e4aonline.com.