On April 5th, 2016 at 4:26AM, Patricia “Patty” Baker, age 59, of Tullahoma entered into the Kingdom of Heaven. She ran straight into the arms of Jesus with a joyful shout and then immediately into the arms of her loved ones already there. When Patty was born with Down Syndrome on July 14th, 1956, her parents were told she would never walk or smile and that the “kindest thing” would be to put her in an institution. Patty not only walked but ran, danced, bowled, and swam; she not only smiled but laughed, giggled, teased, and sang! She enjoyed good food, thrill rides, scary movies, Christmas year ‘round, and so much more! Patty was active in Special Olympics for many years. Patty was able to have a full and meaningful life because of her parents, her church families, and the many people throughout the years that worked with her at Coffee County Skills Development, INC and the affiliated group home. If you want proof of angels on Earth, look there!
Even when Alzheimer’s stripped her of her memories, she remained faithful and loving. Patty had a great heart, a child-like faith, and an endless enthusiasm for life.
She is preceded in death by her parents Drexel W. Baker and Alice (Franklin) Baker; cousin David Franklin; and her best friend of many years, Justine Weaver. She is survived by her brother Keith Baker; sister and family: Joanna (Baker) and John Caldwell, Laurel and Phillip Lackey, Jessa Patricia Caldwell and Shanna Caldwell; sister and family: Mary Lynn (Baker) Murry, Colin, Beth, Ian and Darwin Murray; Andrew Tully Murray and Caitlin Murray; Aunts, Uncles, and a host of cousins.
The family will receive friends for a visitation on Saturday, April 9th, 2016 from ten o’clock in the morning until twelve o’clock noon at First Christian Church of Tullahoma, TN. Memorial service will follow at twelve o’clock noon. Interment will be held at Haven Hill Memorial Gardens in Madisonville, TN, Sunday, April 10th, 2016 at two o’clock in the afternoon.
Tullahoma Funeral Home is honored to serve the Baker family.