Vera Lee Baker

Vera Lee (Dotson) Baker was born February 5, 1930, in Normangee, Texas to the late, Dave and Ossie (Goodwyn) Davis.

She accepted Christ into her life at an early age and united with Galilee Living Hope Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Norris.

On October 26, 1950, she married Chester Baker and joined Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church. To this union, two boys were born. Vera never remarried after the death of her husband, Chester, who predeceased her by thirty-two years. She played the role of mother and father in a time when it wasn't common. Despite these struggles, she always provided a loving and warm home for her sons.

At Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, she spent many years as a good and faithful servant until her health would no longer allow her to actively participate. She served in a variety of leadership roles: Deaconess, Sunday School Teacher for beginners, Secretary of the Choir, President of Missions, Assistant Director of Sunday School, Director of the Baptist Training Union, Pastor's Aide, the Food Committee, prepared the Communion for the church, Secretary of the District Congress, and President of the Mission at age twenty years old for The Regular New Home District Association. She was known as a willing worker.

Vera Lee (Dotson) Baker was one of the mothers of her church.

Vera Baker and Lela Brewer purchased the first road sign for The Regular New Home District Association.

Vera Baker was a beloved and devoted spouse, mother, sister, and aunt. She was a proper lady, with a smile that would light up a room. She was also known as a wonderful friend, and faithful member of Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church. Vera was an excellent cook and baker, hosting weekend and holiday dinners for anyone that came by to visit. There were no frozen dinners or fast-foods to be found at her home. She was known for her 7-Up Pound Cake and Pineapple Cake, which she would meticulously bake in her kitchen until the age of ninety-one.

Vera was a hard worker. You never saw her sitting around because there was always work to do. She was always straightening the house and mending clothes.

Although Vera only stood five feet in stature, she was might tall when it came to spending time with immediate family, friends, and especially her church family.

On Sunday, December 31, 2023, Vera Baker ascended to Heaven to join her Heavenly Father.

Vera was greeted into Heaven by both parents, Dave and Ossie (Goodwyn) Dotson; her husband of forty-one years, Chester A. Baker; one son, Chester "Mac" Baker; five sisters, Madie Dotson, Mary Lews, Dora Mitchell, and Daisy Buckner; and four brothers, Otha, Isiaac, Alphonso, and Walter Dotson.

She leaves to cherish her memories, one son, Mark Lynn Baker of Centerville, Texas; two special nieces, Marilyn McCullough of Centerville, Texas and Patricia Henderson of Houston, Texas; one sister-in-law, Dora Mae Dotson of Houston, Texas and a host of nephews, nieces, family, and friends.

Vera Baker was truly a blessing to her family, to her church, to her community and her friends. She will be missed dearly but will live on in the hearts of those that knew her.

A homegoing service for Vera Baker, age 93, of Centerville, Texas will be held 11 A.M., Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in the Hopewell Community of Leon County, Texas.  Mrs. Baker will be laid to rest in Hopewell Cemetery following the service.  A brief visitation will take place prior to the service from 10 A.M. to service time at the church.

Pallbearers:  Cedrick Dotson, Tyrus Johnson, Terry Lott, Reginald Johnson, Jeffery Durham, Deshawn Dotson

Honorary Pallbearers:  Wilbert Baker, Marshall Baker, Reggie Johnson, Gerald Stanfield, Jerry Lott, Jr., Tyrone Perry, Trae Phillips

Arrangements are entrusted to Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.