Carolyn Cantrell Baker
Carolyn Cantrell Baker, 75, of Bellevue, passed away suddenly of heart failure, Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, Washington.
Carolyn was born November 23, 1938, in Jenkins, Kentucky. She was one of two daughters born to Orby Lee and Janie Mullins Cantrell. Carolyn grew up in Pound, Virginia where she attended and graduated from Pound High School. She went on to attend Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, Virginia. After graduation in 1955 she went to work for a law firm in Norton, Virginia.
In December, 1957, Carolyn wed the love of her life, Jackson Arnold Baker. Together they moved to Atlanta, Georgia where Jack was a sophomore at Georgia Tech. There Carolyn worked for the Coca-Cola Company as an administrative assistant.
Throughout their 50 years of marriage, Jack and Carolyn relocated many times due to Jack’s employment with Sea-Land Service, a container shipping company. They moved from Mobile, Alabama to Anchorage, Alaska, in the mid 60’s. From there they moved to Bellevue Washington in 1966 to the Bay Area of California in 1972 and back to Washington in 1974. Jack and Carolyn moved to Summit, New Jersey in 1985, then finally settling back in Bellevue, Washington in 1990. 
The most important thing in Carolyn’s life was spending time with her family. She cherished every minute until the final minute of her life where she was surrounded by her loved ones. Carolyn was a loving spouse, mother and grandmother, devoted to the lives of her husband, children, grandchildren and entire family. She was caring, helpful and nurturing, as she passed along love and kindness to everyone who knew her. She is loved and will be deeply missed as Mom, Nana and friend.
Preceding Carolyn in death are her parents and spouse, Jack. Carolyn is survived by her sister, Imogene (Guy) Sturgill of Wise, Virginia, two daughters, Allison (Tom) Whiteman of Redmond WA and Elizabeth (Tarek) Ghaly of Bellevue WA; three grandchildren, Katherine and Sarah Whiteman and Jack Ghaly. A memorial service will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 8398 NE 12th Street, Medina, on Saturday, May 31st, 2014 at 11am, there will be a reception immediately following at Overlake Golf and Country Club, 8000 Ne 16th St, Medina. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Gene & Irene Wockner Hospice Center at Evergreen Health Foundation, 12040 NE 128th street, MS#5 , Kirkland WA 98034, where her loving husband of 50 years, Jack Baker, passed in 2007.
11 Responses to “Carolyn Cantrell Baker”
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What a nice memorial for a wonderful woman. she will be missed by so many people. I enjoyed learning more about your folks early life and all the places they lived.
MAY CAROLYN CANTRELL BAKER REST IN PEACE NOW THAT SHE HAS JOINED JACK IN A BETTER PLACE. GOD REST THEIR SOULS. JIM
Such a beautiful tribute! May we all aspire to live such a selfless life, supporting and loving all those we encounter. May Mrs. Baker rest in peace with the love of her life.
Wonderful tribute for a lovely woman. A life well lived in the richness of family. Wishing you all peace and love. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Allison , Elizabeth & family
I am so sorry to hear about Carolyn. She was a wonderful person & y’all will miss her for sure. She of course missed your dad .I know you have fond memories of both & hope that those will help ease your pain.
Even thought i have wonderful memories I still miss your dad . He was my best friend & made a major impact on my life. I will never forget them.
Sincerely
Jim Davis
Dear Allison, Elizabeth and family,
A beautiful tribute to a wonderful lady. You were blessed to have loving and strong parents. Both Carolyn and your late dad Jack will be forever missed.
Sincere sympathy,
Jerry Cople
Allison and Elizabeth, Tom, Katherine and Sarah,
Your Mom was a wonderful loving person with such a quiet strength and way about her. What a legacy she has left in both of you as well as Katherine, Sarah and Jack. We are thinking of you and holding you close in our hearts and prayers. I am sure your dad and mom are dancing together in Heaven right about now and looking down proudly on you both.
Susan, Paul, Sophia and Alex
Carolyn was truely a special person and it was a priviledge to have known both her and Jack. Both were great role models and were the happiest couple that I have ever known. I know the family has very fond memories and also to know that Carolyn has joined JAB in heaven.
Blessings to the family.
Jack
My heart goes out to all of you. What a wonderful and loving tribute to a lovely lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Please accept my condolences. I wish you and your family the strength and power “beyond what is normal” to cope with the loss of your loved one (2Co 4:7).
We remember being in Carolyn’s home for a luncheon visit, and her loving presence and quiet faith. May you know the presence and peace of Jesus during this time of loss and transition. (Lucy Baker’s grandparents in Burien, WA)