Augusta Baker

Augusta Lee Baker was born to Lucille and Lavious Jones on March 8, 1927, in Victoria, Texas. She was the youngest of three siblings. She moved to Houston, Texas in 1942, and graduated from Jack Yates High School, in 1944. She married Wendell Baker, Sr. in 1945 in Neosho, Missouri. They moved to Huntsville, Texas in 1949. Five children were born to this union.

Augusta was very active in the community. In 1966, she was one of the organizers of the Community Organization for Missionary Endeavor Inc. (COME). She served as first Vice-President under Mrs. Mary Estille for several years and was later elected treasurer. She also served as a volunteer of the first Employment Agency in Huntsville organized by COME. She was a Board member of the Community Day Care Center and played a key role in the recruiting and screening of the first twelve students to enroll at the center. She was a dedicated supporter of the Walker County Boys and Girls Club. She was a member of the National Council of Negro Women for more than 25 years and served as the treasurer. She was also an active member of the Brackens Women Fellowship Club and Eastern Star.

Augusta’s employment experiences were just as influential as her community involvement. She was employed at the Huntsville Social Security Administration. In 1975, she received an award and Certificate of Appreciation from the United States Marine Corps in recognition of her outstanding service rendered to the United States Marine recruiting service. Augusta was the bookkeeper for Dr. Ronald Haley, and she also owned and operator, and she also owned and operated a bail service, managed a Tastee Freeze and managed a beauty supply store. In 1980, she and Wendell opened Baker Mini Warehouse and Convenience Center which she operated until she retired. After retiring she was active in assisting and advising in the family business, BaCorp Contractors, Inc.

Augusta was most passionate about her strong faith in God, she loved reading her bible and serving faithfully in church. She was baptized at Palestine Baptist Church in Victoria, Texas at age twelve. She served faithfully at First Missionary Baptist Church for more than fifty-five years. She organized the first church nursery, served as the announcement clerk, youth director, a member of the decorating and cafeteria committee, home mission society, historian, and financial secretary for 21 years. She received rewards and plaques for her dedicated service. In 1985, she realized a long-time dream to visit the Holy Land.

Augusta was preceded in death by her parents, son, Donald Baker, and brothers, J.C. and L.C. Jones.

Augusta is survived by her four children and daughters-in-law, Wendell, Jr. (Jerrine) Pamela, Bruce (Chanda), and Cima Lawson (John). In addition to her children, she leaves to cherish her memory, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and her beloved dog “Daisy”.