Betty Jackson Baker

Betty Jackson Baker, 97, passed away on Friday, January 3, 2025

at Pardee Hospital. Mrs. Baker was born April 3, 1927 in Hendersonville, NC. She was preceded in death by her parents Rupert and Marguerite Jackson and her beloved husband of 61 years, F. Richard “Dick” Baker and a son, Terry Franklin Baker.

She was a 1945 graduate of Hendersonville High School. Mrs. Baker graduated from Furman University in Greenville, SC in 1949 with a degree in Education. At Furman she served on the Student Council, the Social Standard Board, a class officer and President of the Women’s Athletic Association. While at Furman she volunteered at the Shriners’ Hospital for Children in Greenville.

She taught in Greensboro, NC, Altavista, VA, Randleman, NC, St. James Episcopal Church School for Little Folks and the Hendersonville City Schools. Mr. & Mrs. Baker owned and operated Hendersonville Credit Bureau, Hendersonville Business Services, and Baker Realty. They and Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Parmele established the House of Towels.

Mrs. Baker was past president of P.E.O. Chapter O and a member of the Pilot Club. She volunteered at the Henderson County Chapter of American Red Cross and United Way of Henderson County.

Betty never met a stranger and had a wonderful sense of humor and always had a smile on her face. She was a devoted wife, mother and daughter, taking care of multiple generations of the family. Betty was a true animal lover starting from her childhood riding horses to traveling with her daughter to dog agility trials. She enjoyed traveling and walking on the beach collecting seashells. Betty was blessed to have lived a long fulfilling life.

Mrs. Baker is survived by her son, Richard Gary Baker and wife Hope, of Winnsboro, SC, and daughter Karen Elizabeth Baker, of Hendersonville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or a charity of your choice.