Mrs. Elizabeth Evonne Baker

Elizabeth Evonne (New) Baker was born August 12, 1933 in Childersburg, Alabama to the late James W. and Mable W. New. Elizabeth was the oldest of four children. Her life consisted of many accomplishments. Elizabeth (or Liz) as we called her loved life from her early years to her transition on Saturday, March 17, 2018. She had many accomplishments from her early years to her later years in life. Liz started in elementary school achieving high grades all the way through high school and college. In high school she started a tradition for herself and siblings to become valedictorians of their classes, as well as she. With this honor it created the Liz we later learned to love and appreciate in life. Liz graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School in Childersburg, AL, earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Physical Education and Biology from Talladega College in Talladega, AL, and a Master’s Degree in Biological Sciences from Michigan State University. Liz began her teaching career in Talladega County, AL in 1955 until 1962. She then relocated to Saginaw, Michigan where she began teaching in Secondary Education. In 1970, she begins her career at MEA (Michigan Education Association) in several positions having retired as manager of Government Affairs Department/Chief Lobbyist for MEA/NEA. Liz was a proud, faithful and devoted member of Zion Missionary Baptist Church. She loved her family as well as her church family and served as the Administrative Assistant to the Pastor. Liz was a former Sunday School Teacher, leader in Christian Education, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, and served in many other Ministries at Zion Baptist Church. During her employment with MEA, Liz became active in numerous organizations which included: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated where she was a member for more than 60 years. She was one of the organizers and a charter member in 1967 of Zeta Omega Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, and one of the organizers of the Zeta Amicae Auxiliary of Saginaw. She was a Life Member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People where she created the format, organized and was the moderator of, “Meet The Candidate” for the Saginaw Communities, Counselor/Assistant Camp Director of the Girl Scouts and she served as a National Democratic Convention Delegate. Mrs. Baker was appointed to the State of Michigan Attorney Discipline Board by former Chief Judge, Justice Brickley of the Supreme Court from 1996 through 1999. She served in many other local, state and national organizations. She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving and devoted daughter, Belinda Baker of Lansing, MI; sons, Carl Baker of Saginaw, MI, William Baker of Arizona and Larry Lewis of Tuscaloosa, AL; brothers, James W. New II (Evelyn) of York, Maine and Samuel G.W. New (Gwen) of Auburn Hills, MI; a loving sister, Juanita Witherspoon of Saginaw, MI; she also leaves to cherish her memories, a special grandson, Malcolm Pruitt; three nieces, Sheila New of Maryland, Anissa Walker of New York and Dr. Tamera New of Georgia; nephews, Samuel Kenneth New of Pontiac, Michael Witherspoon of Wayne County and Rolan Witherspoon of Ohio and many other family members and friends including special friends, Annye Roberts, Annye Belton, and Rosa Holliday. Liz was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Baker, parents, James W. and Mabel W. New; a sister-in-law, Katherine Baker Riley. The family would like to express special thanks to her devoted care givers; Vivian Lee, Barbara McCloud, Rosie Robinson, Cynthia Williams and Bernice Williams. Funeral service will take place 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 721 Johnson Street, Saginaw, MI 48601. Pastor Rodrick Smith will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 South Washington Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48601. Friends may call at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48607 on Monday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. The Zeta Omega Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. will conduct a service at 6:00 p.m.

Mrs. Elizabeth Evonne Baker

August 12, 1933 - March 17, 2018