Ms. Martha Ree Baker of Marianna transitioned from life to eternal rest in the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital on January 6, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was 78 years old.

Ms. Baker was born on March 12, 1946, in Grand Ridge, Florida, to the late Allen and Annie Mae Johnson. She was a proud graduate of Jackson County Training School, Class of 1967.

A devoted member of Bethel Star Missionary Baptist Church, Ms. Baker faithfully served her congregation until her health began to decline.

Her professional career included several years of dedicated service at the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys, where she worked in the Support Services Department until her retirement in 1989. Following her retirement, Sister Baker continued her life of service as a Licensed Foster Parent with the Florida Department of Children and Families from 1989 to 1997. She later became the owner and operator of Baker’s Licensed Group Home, providing care and support from 1997 until 2020.

To know Ms. Baker was to love her. She was a devoted family member and friend, cherished for her charismatic personality, compassionate spirit, and unwavering dedication to those she served. Her love, kindness, and generosity left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Annie Mae Johnson, and eight brothers, J.C. Johnson, R.S. Johnson, Moses Johnson, William Johnson, Jimmy Lee Johnson, C.L. Johnson, Ronnie Johnson and Robert Johnson.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: five children: two sons: Morris Baker (Sandra) of Marianna, FL, and Tramarviance “Bubba” Baker, Sr. of Tampa, FL; three daughters: Annie Lois Baker of Greenwood, FL, Crystal Baker and Rhonda McGriff (Charles) both of Marianna, FL; thirteen grandchildren: Christopher Baker, Joshua Baker, Courtland Baker, Seth Cravens, Porsha Baker, Temeka Baker, Jazmon Williams, A-jynae Williams, Shamari Saffold, Tramarviance Baker, Jr., Jaliyah Baker, Jaden Baker and Jeremiah Baker; four great grandchildren; Jhazi Littles, Landon Baker, Milo Baker and Mila Baker; one sister: Dorothy Black of Marianna, FL; one brother: Lamar Johnson of Tallahassee, FL; four sisters-in-law: Gwen Johnson, Lanora Johnson, Doris Johnson, and Lynn Baker; one brother-in-law: Terry Baker; special family member: Kirk Johnson; god-brother: Edward Pete; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Ms. Martha Ree Baker’s life was a testament to love, faith, and service. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to have known her.

A public viewing will be Friday, January 10th from 3-6pm at Peoples Funeral Home Chapel. A Homegoing Celebration will be held graveside Saturday, January 11th at 1pm at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend De’Ron Johnson and Reverend Mark Dudley officiating. Interment will follow with arrangements entrusted to the Caring Staff at Peoples Funeral Home of Marianna.