A visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. at Rose Neath Funeral Home with graveside service at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Minden, Louisiana Thursday, December 14, 2023, for Lois Jeanette Gipson Baker, 85. Bro. Bill Crider will officiate.
Jeanette was born December 22, 1937, in Minden, Louisiana to Earnest Dave Gipson and Dera Lucille Roberts and entered into rest December 12, 2023, in Minden, Louisiana to be with her heavenly Father. She was an only child. She was married to Dr. Richard Baker. They had two sons, David Wayne Baker and Dr. Charles Douglas Baker. Jeanette was a devoted wife and caring mother.
She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband and sons.
She graduated from Minden High School, class of 1956, and attended Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana, Southern Methodist University in Texas, and Louisiana College in Pineville. She also studied Egyptology in Egypt and has a background in Chines history from China.
She and her husband Richard were members of First Baptist Church Minden, Louisiana and both were commissioned as foreign missionaries by Dr. Ronald Prince in July 1978, and served in Honduras for some five years and often made trips to help missionary families. She was her husband’s surgical, dental, and medical assistant standing by his side helping others while standing in the midst of pigs and chickens, while on trips to the out back where there was no electricity or running water. Flashlights were used to see the surgery being performed and to see the surgery area.
Jeanette was a professional model for seven years and was known in the modeling circle as one of the best manikin models in the area. She also did tea room and run-way modeling. She and Richard owned The Baker House of Gifts for 22 years and The Lamplighter Apartments for 40 years.
Jeanette took great pride in her flower gardens and could be seen working in her yard with her much loved cats riding in her work wagon. She loved to make her yard and home inviting to others. She would make yard attractions by using different and sentimental things of her mother’s and of her mother-in-law, Pearl Hart Baker. She could always count on her husband to help pursue her ideas.
Jeanette was the first sponsor of Glenbrook School cheerleaders and designed the first Apache costume with an Indian theme. She was also a certified CPR instructor learning from Dr. McIntyre Bridges and the American Heart Association. She was teaching CPR in local schools, general public and also the doctors, nurses and paramedics in Honduras. She also trained local medical and first responders in Minden and surrounding areas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Minden, Louisiana or donors choice.