To the Editor:
It was truly distressing to learn of the passing of Reverend Barbara E. Baker. There is now a void in Beacon that will be nearly impossible to fill. She touched thousands of souls and certainly they were better for just being in her presence. The last time I had the opportunity to be with her and hear her speak was last year at her Springfield Baptist Church where all of the city’s faiths gathered to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King. She was as eloquent as ever, following in her mother’s footsteps, the late Revered Mattie Cooper. Even as a busy devoted wife and mother, she found the time to continue her education, founding organizations, civic endeavors, missions, counseling, and teaching as a substitute in our local school system. All this while still maintaining her tasks in her own ministry. In my view, I think that one of the reasons that Beacon now shines is because it is a reflection of her passionate dedication to her city.
There was one sentence in her obituary that said it all and I believe it bears repeating, I quote,
"She was a community person of excellence". How profound! How true, a woman of quiet dignity, a tower of faith. My deepest sympathy to her children, her church family, and to all her many friends.
