Betty Jo (Wall) Baker

Betty Jo Wall Baker, 83 of King, passed away February 28th at Forsyth Medical Center.  She was born in Stokes County, NC on November 22, 1938, to William Austin and Mae Irene Goff Wall.  Betty was the fifth of six children.  She was preceded in death by her husband John of 62 years, her parents, two brothers, John T. (Jake) and infant Mac Lee, and 2 sisters Roberta Merritt, and infant Jewel.

Surviving are two devoted daughters: L. Jan Baker (Anne) of Key West Florida and Joy Baker Jones (Robert) of King.  Grandchildren, Spencer (Fiancee Camille), Leah Easter, step-grandchildren Isabella and Abigail Jones, brother Ronald (Joyce) and several nieces and nephews.

Betty graduated from King High School in 1957.  Her business career spanned 40 years with eleven years at Hennis Freight Lines, Inc. and the remainder in accounting and property management with Fortis Enterprises, Shelco, Inc. and The Shelton Companies.   She and husband John owned and operated Custom Cleaners, Inc. in King from 1968 until sold and John retired in 2002.

Betty was a lifelong member of Trinity United Methodist Church in King.  She served on various committees. She was a member of The United Methodist Women, the JOY Club, and the Dora Boyles Sunday School Class. Betty was honored by the UMW with “Special member recognition” in 2012. She was a charter member of the King Woman's Club and was honored as “Club Woman of the Year” in 1976, served on the City of King's Beautification Committee and assisted with the Stokes County Fair.

After she was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993, Betty volunteered at Cancer Services Inc. in Winston-Salem, visiting breast cancer patients, and later served on the Board of Directors.  She enjoyed the family’s Heron Bay home at Badin Lake, and she especially enjoyed her pride and joy, her grandchildren.  Her philosophy in life was “When a work is once begun, Never leave it 'til it's done, Be the labor great or small, Do it well or not at all”.

A celebration of life service for both John & Betty Baker will be conducted on Sunday March 6th, 3pm at Trinity United Methodist Church in King with Reverend Robert Kerr officiating.  The family will receive friends on Saturday March 5th, 3-5pm at Trinity United Methodist Church in King.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 725 W. Dalton Road, King, NC. 

The family would like to thank the Trinity United Methodist Church family, 7 West & 9 West at Forsyth Medical Center, Encompass Health Rehab Center and the many friends that provided prayers and support throughout her cancer battle.  

Slate Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Betty Jo Wall Baker.  Online condolences may be offered at www.slatefh.com.

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