Deacon Lloyd Curtis Baker was welcomed home by the Lord on December 18, 2012 at his residence in Woodford, VA. As he often stated in his prayers so enthusiastically, ‘We too, much like others, can’t live here any longer. But over home, over home, where every day will be Sunday, and Sabbath will have no end, Lord crown us where we come out no more’.
Lloyd was born on May 12, 1926 in Guinea, Virginia to the late Dansberry and Sallie Chew Baker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his oldest son, Curtis Edward Baker; four brothers Judge, Napoleon, Dansberry and Profit Baker; one sister Druscilla Bates; two grandsons Joseph and DeVaughn Baker and one son-in-law William Fisher.
Lloyd attended First Baptist Church School in Guinea Virginia. At an early age he gave his life to God, accepted Jesus as his personal Savior and joined Macedonia Baptist Church. Lloyd, was a very active and faithful member of Macedonia, where he served as the President on the Usher Board and was later ordained as a Deacon. After his youngest son, Reverend Antonio Baker was called to the ministry and became pastor of Third Mount Zion Baptist Church; Lloyd and Geneva moved their membership and continued their faith walk under the pastorship of their son.
At the age of 19, Lloyd, affectionately known as ‘Dump’, met and married the love of his life, Geneva Parker. To this union, they were blessed with six children. Lloyd was a God-fearing man, who loved life and took pride in providing for his family. Early in his career, Lloyd joined the United States Army during World War II as a truck driver. While serving his country, Lloyd was promoted to Corporal and awarded the World War II Victory medal. After he left the military, Lloyd’s brother Profit got him a job working on the railroad. He often said working on the railroad was hard, but the money was good. In November 1959, Lloyd began working for the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, VA, in the warehouse and commissary. He retired after 27 years of service.
Lloyd’s extreme talent, skill and passion in using his hands for fixing and creating things allowed him additional opportunities as a provider where he worked on cars and sold wood. During this time Lloyd, with the assistance of Mr. Tommy Jones, built the home in which he raised his family. Lloyd extended his talents into starting his own business as a cabinet maker. He became very skilled at cabinet making and became a master builder. His cabinets are in many homes and churches across Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. Lloyd also became an instructor for the Adult Education class at Caroline High School, teaching cabinetry. He was selected to serve on the Caroline County Board of Assessors and became a lifetime member of the Caroline County Democratic Committee.
In 1982, with the support of neighbors, Lloyd founded a community outreach group called the Community Helping Hand Club. The club’s mission was to meet the needs of the community. Because of Lloyd’s involvement in the community, he was later recognized as Who’s Who in the state of Virginia.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife for 67 years, Geneva Parker Baker, one son Reverend Antonio Baker, Sr. (Reverend Sonya Baker); four daughters: Minister Susie Mills (Minister Frank Mills Sr.), Dr. Ginny England (Dr. Floyd England), Romaine Fisher, and Marvis Pitts (Dr. Kenneth Pitts); 18 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.
Deacon Lloyd Curtis Baker’s homegoing service was held on Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Third Mount Zion Baptist Church and The Reverend Antonio M Baker, Sr. preached his father’ eulogy.
