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Obituary For Leslie Baker
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
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Chloe Patterson sent Heavenly Heights Bouquet for Leslie Baker - June 15, 2023
With love and prayers for strength during this time. From, the Patterson family.
Leslie was my Aunt and I found out she robbed our family before she died. After she did, she didn't live too much longer. God makes no mistakes.I will be coming for what she took. I hope I don't have to go after my cousin for it. Cheers to a Aunt to remember
It was a pleasure getting to know her....and sharing Tallahassee (my home town) with her. Sincere condolences.
Words cannot express my sadness of the news that Leslie passed on. I spoke with Leslie as she was waiting to be released from the hospital. I would text or call to see how she was doing we would catch up on what was going on in our lives.
Leslie was like a big sister to me we all grew up on Euclid avenue brooklyn ny. Leslie would corn row my hair growing up. Leslie and Sharon were our extended family.
When I last spoke to leslie she said to me; you Yolanda if god took me now I'm ready. She told me that she had done everything she wanted to do.She expressed comfort in knowing that Maya would be taken care of and how proud she was.
I'm going to miss Leslie dearly,
We loved you Leslie but God loved you best!
Rest in eternal peace ❤️
Love you, Yolanda McCullough- Hill😘
What can I say. I know Leslie since Winthrop JHS. She was my sister. We shared so many good times together. Too many to name. From 13 years old to 66. We went to South Shore HS and Howard University together. My love for Leslie runs deep. May God have mercy on her soul. I miss you Leslie
JESUS said, blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted, farewell my friend.💜 Willye Green Matt:5:4
JESUS said, blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted, farewell my friend.💜 Willye Green Matt:5:4
Leslie and I struck up a friendship while she was a rep and I was a nurse. We had great conversations in the break room at TOC about work, our families and other interesting topics. She was always honest and direct but still showed great dignity and kindness. Years later, we became neighbors and she brought us a wonderful spaghetti dinner. We got to watch Maya grow into an amazing and talented women. Maya was blessed with great parents. Our family will miss Leslie very much Greg and April Maier
Sharon and I are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved cousin. Leslie was a beautiful; kind; and loving soul! We thank God for allowing her to be our cousin and offer our sincere condolences to Maya and the rest of her family and friends. Elva Bright-Kemp and Sharon Bright-Kidd Savannah Georgia
Let light perpetual shine upon this beautiful soul as she rest Eternally. Maya and family may you find comfort in the fond memories. May she sleep in his perfect Peace.
Dawn Freeman and Family
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
