Dorothy "Dot" Sibel Baker

Dorothy (Dot) Sibel Baker of Roswell was born on December 30, 1925 in Colmer, Pennsylvania. In her 96 years, she touched the lives of many with her kindness, quick wit, colorful storytelling, spontaneity and infectious delight in all of her life’s many gifts. The family she held dear, vacations far and near, a home filled with laughter and cards with friends, extended happy hours and good meals, kids’ plays and Braves’ baseball games — she embraced every moment.

Dot was married for 45 years to William W. Baker, Sr., a World War II veteran who served four years in the Army, including more than two years in the Pacific. When they met, Dot was one of the few female reporters for the Chester Times in Chester, Pa. Bill was a salesman, and his successful career took the couple from coast to coast, from California to New York, before they settled with their family in Atlanta in 1957.

Together, the couple raised six children: four girls and two boys. Dot eventually returned to her career as a journalist, and became a beloved and award-winning columnist for the Decatur-DeKalb News/Era, where she was lifestyle editor for more than 20 years.

Dot received a Certificate of Excellence from Suburban Newspapers of America, Washington, D.C., and numerous awards from Georgia Press Association. She was named a Woman Who Has Made a Difference by both the Fourth District, Georgia, Federation of Women’s Club and the DeKalb Y.W.C.A.

The Decatur Woman’s Club planted a dogwood tree in her honor on the grounds of the Old Courthouse in Decatur. A tree was also planted at Dunwoody Nature Center in gratitude for her support. Honors came from Dunwoody Woman’s Club, the DeKalb Federation of Garden Clubs, and the DeKalb Scholarship Pageant Board.

Atlanta Chapter No. 18, United Daughters of the Confederacy awarded her the Jefferson Davis Medal for writing achievements in the field of history. She served on the board of the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, and also Dunwoody Preservation Trust, Inc., in its campaign to save the historic Spruill farmhouse.

Dot is preceded in death by her husband, who died in 1993. Her oldest daughter, Christine Cooper (Jerome), died in 2011 and her oldest son, William Baker, Jr., and grandson, Brett Baker, died in 2021.

Dot is survived by four children: Jennie Baker (Tony Tiffin) of Peachtree Corners; Barbara Bratten (Wayne) of Pittsburgh, Pa.; Wendy Emert of Alpharetta; and David Baker (Dianne) of Cumming. In addition, she is survived by 12 grandchildren: Amy Mitchell (Jeffrey), Holly Ford, Melanie Rutledge, Mathew Rutledge (Ashley Willoughby), Megan Rutledge Butt (Kevin), Brooks Bratten, Dean Emert, Christie Partridge (Kyle), Briana Keller (Bill), Harrison Baker (Addison), Kayla Morettini (Michael), Heather Baker. She is also survived by 14 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

She leaves an incredible legacy and will be missed dearly. The family will host a celebration of life for Dot on June 11th at 11:00 am in the Chapel of Dunwoody United Methodist Church.