Leslie Yvette Baker transitioned on June 11, 2023 after a long and courageous journey with kidney disease. Leslie, the daughter of the late Jessie and Randolph Laurel, was born on January 28, 1957 in North Tarrytown, New York. She grew up in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York and carried her city sensibilities and recognizable New York accent with her to every city in which she lived.

Leslie attended New York City Public Schools and graduated from Mt. Ida Junior College in 1977 before matriculating to Howard University’s School of Human Ecology. At Howard, she studied Home Economics and was honored to represent her graduating class of 1980 as the student commencement speaker. Leslie passed on the legacy of her beloved alma mater to her daughter, Maya, who followed her in her mother’s footsteps to “The Mecca” in 2015.

While living in Washington, D.C., Leslie worked at The Hospital for Sick Children, where she cared for children sickened by lead poisoning. She also interned with Giant Foods and helped the grocery chain open one of its first stores in Northwest Washington. Shortly after graduation, Leslie began her career in pharmaceutical sales and worked for a handful of major companies, including Roche, Johnson & Johnson and Novartis. Leslie was passionate about her work, which introduced her to healthcare providers across the country in a career that spanned more than 25 years. She was particularly proud of the relationships she formed with Black doctors, nurses and pharmacists in and around the Florida Panhandle. The countless meetings, dinner parties, and weekend events she hosted with them formed the basis of many lifelong friendships and community ties she always cherished.

Tallahassee – a city Leslie often considered too small a town for her Brooklyn bona fides – was where she ultimately put down her roots. Leslie was a member of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church and spent countless weekends planning and preparing meals for various Sunday services and church events. She was also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and active in multiple organizations including The Links, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and the Florida Democratic Party. Her most meaningful role, however, was that of a mother.

Leslie adored her daughter, Maya, and prioritized her personal, creative and professional growth. She frequently boasted of her daughter’s achievements. Maya and Leslie were inseparable during Maya's formative years growing up in Tallahassee and shopped, traveled and fussed with each other often. Leslie was an ardent supporter of her daughter’s journalism career and was exceedingly proud to see Maya go on to work at The New York Times, Leslie’s hometown newspaper.

Leslie’s life, while shorter than many had hoped, was full. She savored every moment, did not fear speaking up for what she believed in and never said no to a party. She could regularly be seen at any number of fine restaurants in Tallahassee or elsewhere, dining on a filet mignon and lobster tail and drinking a cosmopolitan. Leslie will be remembered fondly as a leader and straight talker with a heart for her community and sage advice for anyone who would listen. She died as she lived: surrounded by family and close friends in the comfort of God’s love.

Leslie leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Maya; Beloved Aunts Mildred Laurel, Edna Baker and Irma Baker; Uncle Samuel Baker; lifelong devoted friend Loretta King; former partner Alonza King; numerous big and little cousins; and a wide community of friends, neighbors and admirers.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Leslie’s memory to the National Kidney Foundation.

Link: support.kidney.org