Funeral Services for Joyce Baker, 74, of Malakoff are scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, August 21, 2017 at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home in Athens with Chaplain Stacy Sanders officiating.
Mrs. Baker went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 17, 2017 in Tyler.
Velta Joyce Baker was born December 7, 1942 in Malakoff, Texas the daughter of Doc Evans Abbott and Bertha Leona Hollifield Abbott. She was valedictorian of her class at Malakoff High School where she also played basketball and volleyball.
Mrs. Baker was a longtime member and treasurer of the Parkview Missionary Church in Malakoff and served as the treasurer for many years. She worked at the Acme Brickyard for more than 20 years and she managed Athens Laundry and Cleaners for over 15 years. Joyce served as the president of the American Business Women’s Association in Malakoff. Mrs. Baker coached the Little Dibblers of Malakoff and loved sports; enjoyed watching the Texas Longhorns and Texas Rangers play. She enjoyed working in her flower beds, visiting First Monday Trade days and loved spending time with her grandkids. Nana was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be greatly missed by all she knew and loved.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Bonnie Abbott, Bobbie Rogers and one brother Roy Abbott.
She is survived by her husband Nolan Baker of Malakoff; daughter Thesa Alsobrook of Kansas City, Kansas; son Grady Baker and wife Joely of Malakoff; brother Danny Abbott of Malakoff; brother-in-law Leamon Rogers of Malakoff; sister-in-law Vera Abbott of Powell; four grandchildren, Taylor Baker, Vance Baker, Bret Alsobrook, Cooper Fine and two great grandchildren, Ella Baker and Wyatt Baker.
Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m., Monday August 21, 2017 at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home in Athens.
In lieu of flowers the family would like donation be made in her honor to: Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd • Tyler, TX 75701, 903-266-3400, 800-777-9860.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home family.
You may light a candle or write condolences to the family at www.hannigansmith.com.