Aug. 14, 1926 –

Sept. 22, 2011

Services for Mrs. Muriel J. Baker, 85, who resided in Climax, Georgia and BelleGlade, Florida, will be held Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, 2 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church of Climax. The Rev. Wayne McDonald will officiate. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. A private, family interment will be held at Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Muriel James was born Aug. 14, 1926, in North Judson, Indiana, to Adam Corvin and Velma Bane James. She died Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011, at her home in Climax.

She attended Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Gary, Ind., where she received her education and degree to become a Registered Nurse. She married Dr. Joe Allen Whitaker Baker to whom she was married for over 59 years. Dr. Baker preceded his wife in death on May 20, 2010.

Muriel worked as a nurse in her physician husband’s office, saw to the operation of the office, raised 5 children and took care of her husband. Still, she was always very prim and proper; always dressed to perfection. She was a member of the United Methodist Women’s group, worked tirelessly for the American Red Cross, and was an active Pink Lady. Muriel was a member of the professional nursing sorority, Beta Sigma Phi.

Muriel was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Joe Allen Whitaker Baker, Sr., her parents, and a brother, Bob James.

She is survived by her children, Nancy Brock and husband, Steve, of Bainbridge, Linda Buss of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, William Baker of Climax, Richard Baker of Port St. Lucie, Fla., Joe Allen Whitaker Baker, Jr. of West Palm Beach, Fla; grandchildren: Meredith J. Brock of Tallahassee, William Justin Baker of West Palm Beach, Richard Baker, Jr. of Port St. Lucie, Jay Baker of Port St. Lucie, and Brittney Buss of Palm Beach Gardens; sisters, Carol Brownsberger of Elkhart, Ind. andKathleen Swinford of Bluffton, Ind.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Climax United Methodist Church, 210 West Broad Street, Climax, Georgia 39834 or Community United Methodist Church, 401 SW 1st Street, Belle Glade, Florida 33430.

Cox-Ware Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangments.