Vesta Lee Baker (MawMaw), 95, of New Hope, Alabama, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, at her home on December 23, 2025.
Born on December 31, 1929, in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama, Vesta was the daughter of the late Violet and Herbert Brockway. She lived her entire life rooted in the community she loved, raising her family and leaving a legacy of faith, strength, and devotion.
On July 31, 1948, Vesta married the love of her life, James Baker, in a way that perfectly reflected her independent spirit. The two eloped to Marshall County, Alabama, where they awoke a preacher in the middle of the night to perform the ceremony. Their marriage was one marked by commitment, resilience, and a deep bond that lasted until James’s passing.
Vesta was preceded in death by her beloved husband; her daughter, Charlotte Garrison; son-in-law Trent Garrison; daughter-in-law Susan Baker; her parents; her sisters Estelle Phillips and Geraldine Brockway; and her brother Elmer McBride.
She is survived by her son, David Baker; her grandchildren Dixie Garrison, Adam Garrison (Jennifer), Nathaniel Baker (Stefanie), and Andrea Etheredge (Jake); and her great-grandchildren Abbi Baker, Gabe Etheredge, Blake Baker, Haley Garrison, Maggie Etheredge, Logan Garrison, Sophie Etheredge, and Janna Beth Parker. She is also survived by her sisters Barbara Heindricks, Carol Ford, and many loving nieces and nephews.
A lifelong member of the Owens Cross Roads Church of Christ, Vesta was, at the time of her passing, the oldest original member of the congregation. Her faith was steady, quiet, and deeply rooted-reflected not only in her church attendance but in the way she lived her life.
Vesta worked at Redstone Arsenal in logistical operations, contributing to major defense projects including the Patriot missile program. She retired on her own terms, famously choosing not to learn how to use computers-a decision that perfectly reflected her independence and practical nature.
She loved her family fiercely, cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, enjoyed watching the Atlanta Braves, and loved spending her days outdoors. Those who knew her will remember her dry sense of humor, toughness, unwavering strength, and her role as the matriarch of her family. Above all, she will be remembered as a devoted servant of God and a faithful example to generations who followed her.
The family also wants to extended immense gratitude to her caregivers who have shown unwavering devotion, love, patience, and gentleness to MawMaw. Thank you to Donna Doran, Wanda Lewis, Sandra Stapler, and Tonya Henson.
Visitation will be Saturday 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at New Hope Funeral Home. Services will be held at New Hope Funeral Home Chapel, Saturday at 1:00 PM with Bro. Harold Kelly officiating.
Interment will be in Hayden Cemetery.
