Ocellia Lois Baker

Our beloved matriarch Lois Ocellia Baker passed away on September 25, 2022 at the age of 86. Her passing was peaceful and calm, surrounded by her loving family. She was deeply loved by those who had the opportunity to meet her, and the impact of her loss will be profound in the lives of those who knew her.

Lois came from very humble beginnings, born in the mountains of Kentucky in 1935. She and her siblings had a difficult childhood due to the depression. She boarded a train alone at age 15, traveling to Jacksonville to bravely start a new life full of promise and opportunity. She married the love of her life, Buddy Baker, in 1954 soon after arriving in Jacksonville. Together, they were successful business owners of Buddy Baker’s Tune-up Shop. She took great pride in the service they provided to all their customers including families, businesses, and race car drivers.

Over the years, Lois and Buddy would have her siblings come stay for prolonged periods of time to provide aid and comfort. She made sure her bonds with her sisters and brothers remained strong regardless of the physical distance. She was so very thoughtful of her siblings and their children and provided generously to her family.

There are countless stories about Lois and her dynamic personality - full of love, kindness, generosity, toughness, and a little spice. She always held fast to her belief that you can do anything you put your mind to, never accepting mediocrity or giving up. She was always present at sporting and academic achievement events of her children and grandchildren. She loved her family fiercely and completely. She had a gregarious sense of humor, always quick-witted with a funny one-liner or unexpected joke. She was the light at the center of our family.

She is preceded in death by her father, Clayton Andrew Baker, her mother Carrie Murphy Baker and her husband Walter Charles “Buddy” Baker. She is survived by her son Walter Charles “Charlie” Baker (Cindy), her daughter Julie Baker-Townsend (Craig), her grandchildren Clifford Baker (Angela), Alex Baker (Christine), Bryce Baker (Destinee), Aubrey Townsend and one great grandchild, Caroline Baker. She is also survived by her siblings Pauline Smith Wooten (Opey), Ruth Baker Stinson, Brenda Duke (Paul), Margaret Baker, Wanda Baker, Jerry Baker, and Paul Baker.

A viewing will be held at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205 on Sunday, October 2, 2022, from 1pm until 3pm. Those who loved Lois are invited to come and pay their respects. A small, private burial will be held at a later date.

We are heartbroken to lose someone so special. She was a wonderful woman with a heart of gold who welcomed all and provided kindness to anyone in need. We are so happy to know our beloved Bird is flying high with her new set of angel wings, reunited with all her family and our heavenly Father.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Baker family.