Barbourville, Ky. – Ida Mae Baker, 84, passed away peacefully, July 23, 2020. Ida Mae was the daughter of Boyd and Mary Cooper, happily born to them in Knox County on December 29, 1935. Ida Mae grew up in the community of Macroe Branch. She was a happy child, who could often be overheard humming joyfully or singing aloud as she played. Ida Mae never lost that joy in her heart, that burst forth through song. She maintained her joyful heart, no matter what obstacles came her way. She created a loving home for her four children, as well as, for her many, many beloved relatives. In addition to providing for her family within her home, Ida Mae also worked outside the home, to take care of her children. She worked as a cook, for many years, both for the historic RH Hobbs and for the KCEOC nursery school.
Ida Mae was the Matriarch of her large family. She was a strong and independent role model for all who had the privilege to know her. Her family and friends looked to her for support and guidance and Ida Mae modeled to many family members, church members, and community members, the virtues of patience, the difference between right and wrong, and how to put God first in your life.
Ida Mae was outgoing, and she had a welcoming smile when greeting others. The door to her home was always open. Ida Mae loved to “call roll”, keeping up with the events of everyone’s life. In her quiet time, she enjoyed crocheting, quilting by hand and gifting “granny square afgans and her prized and much-loved, beautiful hand-pieced quilts”.
Ida Mae cherished her church family. She was a lifelong member of the Salt Gum Baptist Church. She was a devoted member of the congregation, giving her time to the church community, teaching both Sunday and Bible School. Her delightful spirit was felt throughout the church community, where she was lovingly known by the children and adults alike, as “Mama Baker”.
In addition to her parents, Boyd Cooper and Mary (Bingham) Cooper, Ida Mae was preceded in death by her son, Vernon Baker; a brother, James William Cooper, and a brother-in-law; Jess Messer Jr.
Left behind to mourn Ida Mae’s passing are her beloved children, son, Billie Joe Baker of Macroe Branch (significant other Margie Deaton) and two daughters, Joyce Warfield (Eddie) of Corbin and Janice Sue Partin of Barbourville. Four siblings will also miss Ida Mae greatly, brother; Robert Lee Cooper (Susan) of Bimble and three sisters; Sarah Jane Messer, Bimble, Opal Lee Hibbard (Russell) of Flat Lick, and Anna Lois Baker of Bimble.
Ida Mae was blessed with eight grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren all of whom will miss her love. Grandchildren: Jennifer Yates of Corbin, Tracey Daniels of Barbourville, Crystal Yother (Mike) of Rockholds, Kelly Barnes (Marc) of Corbin, Eric Baker (Ann) of Virginia, Derrick Baker of Dewitt, Sherry Baker (Matlock) of Barbourville, and Dana Smith (Jeff) of Cannon. Great-grandchildren: Jessica Lundy, James Lundy, Trystan Yates, Jared Partin (Pam), Macy Yother, Tatum Yother, Lydia Barnes, Abiagile Baker, Aiden Baker, Hannah Baker, Caden Baker, Jacob Baker, Billy Austin Smith, Payton Perkins and Dalton Napier. Great-great-grandchildren: Mary Willow Mae Partin and Jocelyn Mae Lundy. Ms. Baker will also be greatly mourned by her dear friend and caregiver, Ruth Decker.
The Baker family will receive friends at Hopper Funeral Home on Monday evening, July 27, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. The Baker family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 28, at the Salt Gum Baptist Church, Scalf, from 12:00 p.m. until the funeral hour of 1:00 p.m. Reverend Kennon Roark will officiate and musical tributes will be performed by Lonnie and Josh Carmen, by the Salt Gum Baptist Church Choir, and by Mrs. Baker’s adored granddaughter, Macy Love Yother. Burial will immediately follow the funeral service at the Macroe Branch Cemetery in Scalf. Ida Mae’s family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
The Hopper Family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, and the staff of Hopper Funeral Home, extend our sincere condolences to the family of Ida Mae Baker.
Hopper Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of servicing all arrangements for Ida Mae Baker.
