Dr. Eli Weldon Baker, 84, was born in Sumter County on July 26, 1935 to his parents, the late Sam and Lucille Muldrow Baker. He exchanged time for eternity on Sunday, March 15, 2020 at 2:45 a.m. He quoted “I have been blessed by God to have done a few things in this life”. He had a passion for education and was overly proud whenever a former student returned and thank him for encouraging them. His education and accomplishments included being a high school drop out in the tenth grade and obtaining his GED in the military, Bachelor’s Degree – 1967, Master Degree - 1977, Doctoral Degree – 1998, served six years in the United States Army, Elementary teacher – seven years, assistant principal – four years at Sumter High School, elementary school principal – sixteen years, Director Alternative Program – seven years and Baker’s Tutoring Service – ten years from 2002 – 2012. Dr. Baker’s Civic Involvements were Sumter City Council Planning Commission – eight years with his 8th year as Chairman, Santee Senior Board – eight years with his 8th year as Chairman, South Carolina Education Association – thirty plus years, Head Start Teacher – two years as Head Teacher at Morris College and one year under leadership of Mrs. Magnolia Lewis (Goodwill School) one year. He was a dedicated and faithful member of Quinn Chapel A. M. E. Church, where he served as an adult church school teacher, senior choir president, member of the male chorus, president of the mass choir, class leader of Class #3 and Christian Education Director. His memories will be cherished by: his wife, Dorothy; two daughters, LaVern (Roosevelt) Dunbar and Lolita P. Baker; two sons, Eli Dennie (Tanisha) Baker and John Weldon Baker; fifteen grandchildren; twenty seven great grandchildren; seven sisters, Annabelle English, Rev. Eartha (Mozell) Joe, Lucille Gailliard, Annette (Lowman) Brooks, Lurine Samuels, Francine (Tom) Samuels and Joann Baker; five brothers, John R. Baker, Samuel Baker, Albert (Fannie) Baker, Victor (Shirley) Baker and Jerry (Cora) Baker; one sister-in-law, Joan Baker; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. The family will receive relatives and friends from 4:00 – 8:00 p. m. at the home, 115 Victory Drive, Sumter. Celebration of Life Services will be held 2 p. m., Friday, March 20, 2020 from the Quinn Chapel A. M. E. Church, 2400 Queen Chapel Road, Sumter, with Rev. Jerome McCray, pastor, eulogist. The Remains will be placed in the church at 1 p. m. The procession will leave from the home at 1:20 p. m. Burial will be in the Evergreen Memorial Park, 802 North Guignard Drive, Sumter.
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