Tammy Kim Baker

Tammy (Kim) Baker, 46, of Charlotte, previously of Kansas, peacefully passed into the arms of God after a long fight with breast cancer, on March 25, 2012. At the time of death, she was employed as the Technology Librarian at the prestigious Washburn University Mabee Library in Topeka, Kansas, since 2008. While at Washburn, she was the Systems Administrator for the City’s ATLAS Consortium among other significant duties.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, her professional career included noteworthy positions at the Loan Star College System in Houston, Texas, the Ohio Historical Society in Columbus, Hollins University Wyndham Robertson Library in Roanoke, Virginia, North Carolina State Daniel Harvey Hill Library in Durham and Duke University’s William R. Perkins Library.

Tammy (Kim) served on numerous professional, national, state and local boards and commissions, and was a published technical author in various publications. Her volunteer work included projects sponsored by the Columbus Junior Chamber, Ohio Academy of Science, and delivering Meals on Wheels to shut-ins in Topeka while she, herself, battled Breast Cancer.

In Columbus, Tammy (Kim) was voted New Jaycee of the year 2002, Jaycee Officer of the Year 2003, Most Outstanding Speak-up Competitor 2003, Most Outstanding Local Chapter Website Director 2003, Most Outstanding Program Manager 2004, and Most Outstanding Write-up Competitor 2005. While in Columbus, she also chaired and served on many projects including Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, Adopt a Highway, KidCare ID, and the annual Ronald McDonald House fundraiser.

Tammy (Kim) enjoyed nature, classic movies, all sorts of music, pop art/collectibles and Indian food. She was cultured, extremely thoughtful and a life long learner.

Tammy (Kim) graduated suma cum laude with a Masters of Library Science from North Carolina Central and was inducted into the Beta Xi Chapter of Beta Phi Mu. She attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She also attended the national Center for Paralegal Training, completing her American Bar Association Completion Certificate. She is a 1984 graduate of East Mecklenburg High School, Charlotte, North Carolina.

She was a member of Grace Episcopal Cathedral in Topeka, Kansas.

She is survived and will be deeply missed by her parents, John and Suzan Baker; her brother’s family, Nick Baker and wife Christy; niece, Amanda Baker; nephew, Keegan Brown; and uncle, William Baker and his family, as well as numerous other special aunts, uncles and cousins.

A service celebrating her life will be held on April 1, 2012, at 3:00 pm with family & friends visitation immediately following at Saint Francis United Methodist Church, 4200 McKee Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28270. Contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, www.komencharlotte.org/make-a-donation, in Tammy (Kim) Baker’s memory.