Amanda Leigh Baker

Amanda Leigh Baker, age 25 passed on December 8, 2023, after a lengthy illness resulting from a sudden rare condition that attacked her nervous system in August 2014. She was born November 7, 1998, to Jeffrey and Karen Baker. Mandy, as she was known by friends and family, had a gift and love of music since her toddler years, often resulting in impromptu living room performances for her beloved “Poppy” and family members. She would pass out various instruments and direct everyone to join along. Her first instrument she performed with was the violin under the direction of Mr. Sedloff at Wendell Watson Elementary; followed by the oboe, flute, and alto saxophone with Mr. McElwain at Lake Gibson Middle where she thrived in the jazz band. While there, she also took guitar lessons with Mr. Postin. Performing in the marching band at Lake Gibson Senior for Mr. Luce was another thrilling experience for her. She and one of her best friends, Kianna, were planning to create a band that they had already named “Flock of Turtles.“ Jeffrey and Karen could not have been more proud of her as she achieved success both academically and artistically. They enjoyed and encouraged her every step of the way. This devotion to Mandy only strengthened after her illness. Their hope and determination for her continued through many hardships. When her dad’s back injury and failed surgery led to the closing of his business, the family relied on their strong Christian faith and later found a silver lining. Those 6 or so months away from work allowed nonstop days and hours together with Mandy and Elizabeth all summer before her sudden illness. Many cherished memories were gained regardless of the cause for such "free time". As many siblings do, the Baker girls were prone to some "healthy" disagreements, however, they were completely inseparable that Summer. Learning from their mom, she and her sister loved baking and "destroying" the kitchen, both of which occurred with the added time together. They were notorious for some crazy “all-nighters,” still up when mom got up for work. Mandy loved her little sister dearly. Every time she would learn something new at school, she truly enjoyed teaching it to her sister, always keeping Elizabeth a step ahead. (It should be noted that her sister Elizabeth went on to become the valedictorian of her graduating class. Although unable to communicate due to her illness, there is no doubt Mandy was very proud.) While Mandy‘s life was cut terribly short, she lived a childhood full of family activities including trips to parks, the mountains of West Virginia, and countless fishing and boating excursions. An avid pet owner, Mandy had many beloved fur babies over the years. Her dog Lilo, and cats: Nikki, Stitch, Ziggy, and Sparta just to name a few. Not just the usual domestic pets, the sisters also welcomed chinchillas, rabbits, chickens, hamsters, tropical fish, and even a hermit crab. She also enjoyed horseback riding at the local horse camp on her favorite horse, “Ra.” Their everyday lives were also intertwined with the support of Jeff and Karen's best friends, Danny and Vicki Wilkins' family, and their loving companionship was a large part of Mandy’s life. Both families attended Crestview Baptist Church and took much solace in knowing Mandy welcomed Jesus into her life at a young age, being baptized on May 14, 2006. Mandy was quick to make many friends and was thrilled that her new house had a pool. The Baker household became the neighborhood gathering place for numerous friends, with sleepovers and fun birthday parties. She had many accolades throughout the years, holding memberships in the Lake Gibson Biotech Academy, HOSA, and the National Honor Society. In her early years, she enjoyed her membership in Girl Scouts, especially outdoor activities. However, she always made time for her video games and artistic drawings. She also developed an appreciation for photography, learning the trade from her dad. She is preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, William “Poppy” Baker Sr.; paternal great-grandmother, Jeanette Tyndall; and maternal great-grandmother, Doris Colson. Mandy is survived by her devoted parents, Jeffrey and Karen Baker; sister Elizabeth Baker; maternal grandmother, Kathy Davis; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Amanda Leigh Baker

November 7, 1998 - December 8, 2023