Ms. Betty Jean Baker

Betty Jean Baker was born on February 3, 1931, in Muskogee, Oklahoma to Edgar (Pete) Johnson and Ximenia (Lenzy) Johnson. Betty Jean's early childhood included being raised by her loving grandparents, Carrie and Eli Lenzy in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Betty attended Dunbar Elementary School where she was active in the Girl Scouts, and she attended and graduated from Manual Training High School. At an early age, Betty Jean accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She enjoyed singing in the choir at Antioch Baptist Church in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where she was a member.

Early in her life, Betty was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Marjorie and Pamela Johnson. Following this blessing she married Howard E. Oliver, and to this union six (6) children were added: Richard, Donald and Ronald (twins), Jacqueline, Barbara, and Paul. In 1954, Betty, Howard and their family moved to Denver, Colorado, to seek medical advice and support for their sons who were born with hemophilia, an unfortunate bloodline disease. Betty and Howard started a new life in Denver with God leading them, their children, careers and a balanced life.

Later, Betty began working at the Colorado University Hospital and retired 25 years later as a Lab Technician. She joined Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in the 1970's where Rev. W.C. Jones is Pastor. She believed in God and Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Betty always shared her faith and love for God and taught her children to pray, "Talk to God", she would say, "Just like you would talk to anyone else".

In 1980, Betty was blessed to love again after the death of her first husband, Howard E. Oliver. She met and married Robert M. Baker. To this union, Betty was blessed with five stepsons from Robert's previous marriage, Bobby Baker(Loretta) Louisville, Kentucky, Gary Baker (Marcella), Ricky Baker, Kevin Baker (Joanne), Scott Baker (Yvonne), all of Denver, CO.

Betty enjoyed traveling and always wanted to travel to different states to see the many creations of God. She often talked about traveling to Israel to experience a closer walk with Jesus. Unfortunately, Betty was unable to travel to many parts of the world she often dreamed about. However, she did enjoy going to the mountains, “not too high up,” she would say, so to Blackhawk she would go, and some of her most fun-filled, productive days were spent in Blackhawk.

Betty also loved movies, dancing and music. She often said to us kids "As a child growing up, I would rather dance than eat!" Now that's a serious love for dancing. Her love for music was therapy for her soul as she would listen to old school music especially on the weekends, via record player or KDKO radio station. Her favorite movie was the old classic "The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima" watched during the Easter season as well as Western movies with Cowboys and Indians.

Betty was a very strong caring woman who was a caregiver to her children, grandchildren, husband, mother and the elderly. Her source of strength came from God as she cared for her sick children, her husband, her mother for several years who suffered from Alzheimer, and other elderly people in her home. She had compassion for all, especially her family. Over the years, Thanksgiving was always at Betty's house where she would cook for her family. And her stuffing was "Off the chart good!”. Betty made it a tradition to have Christmas Eve gatherings at her home where the family would exchange gifts and eat her homemade chili. She was an amazing cook!!! Her smile and laughter were contagious, often catching your attention because she was full of life. She will be missed by all of her family, loved ones and friends. Betty is a beautiful flower in God's Garden!

Betty leaves to cherish her memories three daughters: Dr. Marjorie Kyle (Stanley) Tempe, Arizona, Pamela Mitchell (Herbert- deceased) Muskogee, Oklahoma, Barbara Chapman (Rev. John Chapman III) Denver, Colorado;Two daughters-in-law, Barbara Oliver and Yvonne Baker, Three stepsons, Bobby Baker (Loretta) Louisville, Kentucky, Gary Baker (Marcella) Denver, Co, Kevin Baker (Joanne), Aurora, Co.; Half brother, Alfred Johnson, Detroit, Michigan. Betty also leaves nineteen grandchildren, a host of great grandchildren, great great-grandchildren, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Family members who preceded her in death include: Husbands; Howard Oliver and Robert Baker, Five children; Richard Oliver, Donald Oliver (Sharon), Ronald Oliver, Jacqueline Lawson (James), and Paul Oliver; Two stepsons, Ricky Baker, Scott Baker; And a Grandson, Andre Oliver.

Mom, Nana, Aunt Betty, Betty or Betty Jean, Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Oliver, good neighbor and friend, you will be missed but never forgotten by all who knew you. Rest in peace.

The family of Betty Baker would like to extend their sincere thanks and gratitude for the many acts of kindness, cards, flowers, food, prayers and spiritual support. We are eternally grateful for the staff at Bridges Hospice Care, All the Comforts of Home and especially the Shiloh Church Family.