Nancy Baker

Nancy Evelyn Smith Baker passed peacefully into eternal life on September 28, 2025, at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion to her family.

Born on October 11, 1934, in Big Spring, Texas, Nancy was the ninth of ten children born to Austin Howell Smith Sr. and Nana Belle DeVeny Smith. Raised in a close-knit and loving home, much of her childhood was spent in El Paso, Texas, where she was surrounded by extended family, laughter, and a strong foundation of faith—values she carried with her throughout her life.

Nancy married Glen Ray Baker Sr., on December 31, 1952. Together, they built a life in Houston, Texas, raising six children. One of her proudest accomplishments was earning her high school diploma after marriage—a reflection of her quiet determination and strength.

After Glen's passing in 1988, Nancy moved to Rockport, Texas, where she embraced the coastal life with a joyful heart. Mornings were spent walking her dog Buffy and collecting seashells along the shore. She loved fishing, tending to her garden, and watching sunrises from the Harbor wall and sunsets from her porch. Her home became a haven not only for her grandchildren, whom she lovingly helped raise, but for many children who found comfort and care in her presence.

Nancy was a devoted member of the Church of Christ, where she taught Bible classes with humility and grace. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life—steady, sincere, and deeply felt. She believed wholeheartedly in eternal life and the joyful reunion with loved ones who went before her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; all nine of her siblings—Austin Howell Jr., Emma Ree, Edna Elizabeth, Anna Belle, Jerry Lee, Benjamin Franklin, Marceline Colleen, Ray Alvin, and Robert Blake; her husband Glen Ray Baker Sr.; and her son Calvin James Baker.

She is survived by her children: Elizabeth Nan, Evelyn Grace, Shirley Rae, Glen Ray Jr., and Laura Leanne, as well as numerous cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Though she humbly referred to herself as a housewife, Nancy was so much more. In just a decade, she gave birth to six children, managed a busy household, cooked daily meals, ran a daycare to help support her family, and gave her heart to every child in her care. Her home was filled with music, laughter, and creativity. She would often break into a can-can in the living room, much to everyone’s delight.

Nancy was also a den mother, PTA member, school carnival creator, and the mastermind behind a legendary haunted house. She was a talented seamstress who sewed matching outfits for her children, a skilled crocheter who passed the craft to her daughters, and a gardener—especially fond of her yellow marigolds. She found great joy in painting and poetry, leaving behind hundreds of beautiful artworks and her book Life’s Memories.

Above all, Nancy will be remembered for her love—for her family, her faith, and her community. She was a respectful daughter, a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, and a comforting presence to generations. Her life was a testimony to quiet strength, joyful service, and enduring love.

She has “done her job, and done it well.”

We close with a poem she wrote, a reflection of her tender heart and beautiful spirit:

Life’s Memories (or dreams) By Nancy (“Noni”)

As I lay here in my bed at night and remember and think and weep, So many things go through my mind and I seldom get to sleep. I wonder if it all were true and I had ever been, A daughter, a sister, a wife, a mom, a grandma, or a friend. In my mind’s eye I can still see me sitting on a knee, A loving face just up above singing a song to me. Happy smiling faces and music in the air, A happy home so full of love and siblings everywhere.

It had ever been. She was all of those things. She is now at peace in that happy home.

The family requests donations be made to St. Jude Hospital or Shriners Hospital in Nancy's honor.