Sandra F. Baker

Sandra F. Baker, 80, of Raleigh, stepped into eternity on September 4, 2022.

She was one of three children born to JB and Violet Foster in Burlington.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, W.P. Baker Jr.; half-brothers, Richard Brown and Jimmy Foster; and step-daughter, Carol Ann Haley.

She is survived by her son, Andy Baker (Keri); three step-sons, William Prentiss Baker (Joan), Frank Baker (Joanne), and Richard Baker (Jane); twin brother, Sam Foster (Ann); sister, Vicki Vaughn; grandson, Joey Baker (Jenna); great-grandson, Lucas Baker; and countless other family members.

Sandra was quick-witted and loved a good joke. She allowed her twin, Sam, to be born first but never let him forget who was in charge. The story goes that Sandra asked Sam if she was a boy or a girl to which he flipped off his baby blanket and said, “I’m a boy cause I got blue booties and you’re a girl cause you have pink.”

They, along with their sister, Vicki, then moved to Taylorsville, where she made lifelong friends and graduated high school in 1960. She eventually moved to Raleigh, where she met the love of her life, Bill Baker. They married in 1971 and he adopted Andy. Her family and heart expanded to include four grown children and their families.

Sandra’s favorite place was the beach and she and Bill spent many happy years sharing their second home with friends and family. She loved to travel, dance, sing, eat good food, and, most importantly, laugh. Sandra enjoyed people and never met a stranger. She had an innate gift for making people feel welcome with kindness and hospitality.

Being a true southern woman, she never left the house without looking her best. Whether it was a trip to the drugstore or out to eat, lipstick was on, hair was in place, and the outfit put together with flair.

She believed a home-cooked meal, delivered with a smile and a hug, could heal most ailments better than penicillin. She kept cards at the ready for every situation and mailed them out on a regular basis. She was also generous but kept her charitable gifts private believing “to whom much is given, much is required” Luke 12:48. One of her favorite Bible verses was “He must increase, I must decrease” John 3:30.

After she lost Bill, Sandra adopted an older dog named Haley. A feisty, toothless, gray schnauzer who was her constant companion and brought her such joy. Sandra’s life was defined by her love for Jesus Christ, her husband and family, friends, her dog, and helping others. She was a rare and beautiful woman who will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank the wonderful people who made Sandra’s last days so peaceful including her caretakers, Ann, Alice, and Esther, I wish every family had women like you to care for their loved ones; and her neighbors, Sheila and Doug, who were always available to check on her, bring smoothies, walk Haley, or whatever else was needed. To Phyllis Rhodes, who has given Haley a home, and to the entire Enclave community who wrapped your arms around her, we are forever grateful. Finally, to her friends and family who sent cards, flowers, and visited, please know her spirits were uplifted by your love and care.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 17, 2022, at Hillyer Memorial Christian Church, Raleigh.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sandra’s memory to Hillyer Memorial Christian Church, 718 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC 27603.