Gladys Savedge Baker, 86, died peacefully Monday, June 26, 2017, after several years of declining health. Born March 22, 1931, she grew up in Surry County, Va., on the family farm.
She was the daughter of Ruth Ellis Savedge and Anslem Melville Savedge. She attended Longwood College (now University) in Farmville, Va., as a teaching major. She taught Home Economics for two years in Virginia, and 14 years in New Hanover County, N.C., (Virgo, J.T. Hoggard and Laney). In retirement, she volunteered for the NC Baptist Association, teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) to numerous students and traveling with groups all over the world assisting with building churches and teaching children.
She is survived by her children, Brenda Baker Paschal (Jeff), Wanda Baker Prevatte (Mike), Thomas W. Baker Jr. (Mali) and Pamela Baker Sammons (Todd); nine grandchildren, Amy Davis (Greyson), Julie Jones (Kevin), Meagan Lewis (Daniel), Scott Prevatte (Allison), Daniel Baker (Mikanna), Natalie Baker, Wesley Sammons, Jill Sammons and Bryan Sammons; great-grandchildren, Lana, Willow and Skylar Prevatte, Charlotte and Henry Davis, Emma Lewis, David and William Jones and Collyn Baker; sisters-in-law, Jean Savedge, Norma Savedge, Sabine Savedge, Linda Baker, Carol Newcomb and Cynthia McKettrick; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 64 years, Thomas Wilton Baker; sister, Ruth Savedge Andrews; brothers, Arthur Savedge, George Savedge and William Savedge.
The family wishes to thank the loving helpers who have ministered to Gladys in recent years, Jennie, Doris, Tammy and Debra.
A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 28, at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel, 4108 College Road, Wilmington. A funeral will take place at 3 p.m., Thursday, June 29, at Scotts Hill Baptist Church, 185 Scotts Hill Loop Road, Wilmington. Interment will follow at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 1, at Moore’s Swamp Baptist Church.
Contributions in honor of Gladys may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association or Scotts Hill Baptist Church Mission Fund.
Share online condolences with the family at andrewsmortuary.com.
