Dorothy M. Baker

Dorothy M. Baker, 99, of Oberlin, Ohio, passed away on October 25, 2023, in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she lived for the past six years with her son and his wife.  She was born in Pittsburgh, PA on March 9, 1924.

Mrs. Baker retired as the secretary for Eastwood School in Oberlin, where she worked for almost 30 years.  She was adored by students, faculty, and administration alike.  As a teacher’s aide, secretary, and as a grandparent reader she would greet each pupil with a smile, ask how they were, and give out hugs.  The children knew that she cared for them and they loved her in return. 

Mother Baker is described by almost everyone who knows her as an incredible woman of faith.  She was a steadfast member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Oberlin for 77 years.  She cherished her memories of the people at Mt. Zion and spoke of them often.  Recently while unable to attend the services in person, she watched the Sunday service regularly on Facebook.  She was a faithful member, a Sunday school teacher, a gifted pianist, an organist, a choir leader, and a deaconess.   Mrs. Baker enjoyed reading; music; traveling; watching judge, games, shopping, cooking shows on TV; growing house plants; working on the computer; solving word puzzles and most of all spending time with her beloved family. 

She leaves to cherish memories of her, mourn her passing, and maintain family traditions, her son S. Gregory (Donna) Baker and daughter Gina E. Pleasant of Columbus, OH.  She also leaves a sister-in-law Irene Franklin of Cleveland, and six grandchildren:  Keesha M. Amhere of Cincinnati, Stephanie M. Reynolds (Paul) of Severn, MD, Maya N. Dorsey (Terrance) of Centerville, OH, Daniel D. Pleasant, Camille E. Hopkins (Eric) and Olivia E. Pleasant all of Columbus, OH, 10 great-grandchildren, 3 great, great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, longtime friends, church members and loved ones.  She was preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Hattie Smith, husband Stahl Baker, her brother Jack Smith Sr., and recently, her sister Jennie Lee Banks. 

There will be a graveside service in Westwood Cemetery in Oberlin on Thursday, November 2, 2023, beginning at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, cash donations may be sent to and made out to Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Oberlin for the Dorothy M. Baker Memorial Fund.   Online condolences may be made to www.cowlingfuneralhomeoh.com

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