Smith's Funeral Home | Wadesboro, NC

Obituary For Mother Doretha Crowder Baker

Mother Doretha Crowder Baker was born on August 30, 1921 to the late Paul Rufus Crowder and the late Mary Bowman Crowder. She completed her education in Anson County schools.

She was united in holy matrimony to the late Elebie Baker in 1939. The union was blessed with 10 children. Mother Baker spent the majority of her life being a wife, caregiver to her children, and a homemaker. For a short time, Mother Baker worked for the Benetta Mills Corporation but found her calling in rearing her children. As lovers of God and music, the Bakers formed the Starlights Gospel Singers, teaching their children to sing and play instruments. The Starlights ministered locally and traveled the East Coast, spreading the Gospel for more than 50 years. Mother Baker was a faithful member of New Meltonville Missionary Baptist Church all of her life.

Mother Baker was a pillar of the community and an advocate of voting rights. As a devoted citizen and longtime resident of Marshville for more than 70 years, Mother Baker worked continuously to promote engagement in local elections. As a result of her commitment and long-time dedication to the Marshville community, Mother Baker was awarded with the Centenarian Recognition Gift by the Town of Marshville on October 11, 2021. She quietly departed this life at the home of her daughter and caregiver on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, blessing her family and friends with 100 years and 9 months of her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elebie Baker; her sons Ernest, Paul, Ellis, Francis, and Calvin Baker; her granddaughter, Vanessa Chambers, whom she raised; sisters, Lillie Mae Collins, Lettie Redfern and Glancy Crowder; and brothers, Willie B. and Marshall Crowder.

Mother Baker’s beautiful life will forever be cherished by her children, Mable Redfern of Marshville, NC, Geretha (David) Parker of Monroe, NC, Edith (Melvin) Crowder of Marshville, NC, Claire (Carl) Marsh of Marshville, NC, and Phillip Baker of Charlotte, NC; grandsons, Marvin Baker and Antonio Baker, whom she raised; her sister, Ollie Mae Little of Trenton, NJ; one brother Henry James Crowder of Charlotte, NC; a host of other grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family that will miss her dearly. Her influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew her and the five generations of her family she impacted.

The Services to Honor the Life and Legacy of Mother Baker will be at 1:00PM, Wednesday, June 22, 2022, New Meltonville Missionary Baptist Church, 15482 White Store Road, Peachland, North Carolina. Interment will be in the family plot of the Church Cemetery.

Guest Book

Sending our condolences and prayers to the family. Michael Crowder and family and Lois Marsh Staton and family

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Praying for comfort for the family Deacon George and Rev.Berdie ingram

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Praying for comfort for the family

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My sincere condolences to the Crowder, Baker and Little families. Mother Doretha Crowder Baker is with our Heavenly father. Although, you miss her, I pray you find comfort in knowing that. Praying for your strength during this difficult time. Love, Peace & Blessings. Juanita Cherry

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Praying for Baker family. God can and will be with you.

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My condolences to you and your family during this most difficult time. Sabrina Rushing

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My condolences to the Baker and Crowder families. You are in my prayers ❤️ Ernestine Staton

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My condolences to the Baker and Crowder families. You are in my prayers ❤️

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Our deepest sympathy to the Baker/Crowder family. John and Linda Wright

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My condolence to the Crowder and Baker family. Blondina Davis

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May God wrap His loving arms around your family & comfort your family during this transition & the days ahead. Your family will be in our prayers. Frederick & Kanisha Massey

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Sorry for your loss. Praying for your family

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To the Crowder/Baker families: we send our love and condolences to each of you. God truly blessed you as He shared cousin Doretha with you for so many years. May God continue to bless and comfort you through this time. Love: The Ledbetter family Sharon, James and Eddie (Cousin Ed's children)

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To the Crowder family. Our sincere prayers and condolences. May God bless and keep you and provide comfort during this trying time. William G. and Mattie Miller

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She will be remembered as a whipper snapper, sharp and witty. I am honored to hav her as my aunt. Lanee Crowder

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Cousin Doretha will be missed walking the floor at New Meltonville and singing those hymns. Nobody can sing them like her, Lilly, and Lettie. I know they are singing in Heaven! Cousin JB Crowder Family

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To the Crowder and Baker Family: Our condolences to you on the passing of Aunt Doretha. Her legacy lives on through the generations of children she leaves behind. Praying that God will comfort you today and in the days to come. With love, the children of Katherlean Baker Chambers Stokes.

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Condolences to the Baker Family. Keeping you guys lifted up in prayer. God Bless You All❤️ Sarah Rushing Robinson & Family

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Sincere condolences to the Baker/Crowder family from the family of the late Gary Lee & Marguerite C.Blackwell.

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Prayers for you all! Mother Baker will truly be missed! Hightower Gospel Singers & Family

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Please accept our deepest condolences during this time of loss. Just remember, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord! Cousin A.J. Crowder's Family

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Claire, Just want you to know God has gained another angel to join His Heavenly Choir. We have you and the family in our prayers. To Sandy, Heather, Tessa and Lil Sandi Grandma Baker is singing with the angels. I love you dearly and praying for the family. Rosa Wall-Little and Family.98CF

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Claire and Family: My condolences to you all during the loss of your mother. May God comfort your hearts and give you strength to endure now and in the days ahead. Andrea Marsh & Family

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Praying Vernard and Doris marshall

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Smith's Funeral Home | Wadesboro, NC