Sherry Baker, 68, of China Spring, passed away Monday, April 6, 2020.
The family will receive friends from their vehicles from 4:30 to 6PM Wednesday, April 8th at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco.
Graveside Service: 2PM Thursday, April 9th at Fairview Cemetery in Hubbard. The Covid 19 state mandate will be respected with ten persons at the gravesite, with others respecting social distancing from afar.
Sherry was born May 13, 1951 in San Antonio. She graduated from LaVega High School in 1969. She furthered her education thru McLennan Community College and University of Texas at Arlington, receiving her Master’s Degree in 1995. She worked as Assistant Chief Nursing Officer for Hillcrest Hospital, retiring in 2017 after 38 years of service. She married James Baker on June 25, 1976. Sherry’s favorite pastime was sewing and quilting but she most adored spending time with her family- especially the grandchildren. She was a Baptist by faith.
She was preceded in death by her father, Hugh Dean Bills; and her in-laws, Dewey and Gwen Baker.
Survivors include her husband of 43 years, James Baker; son, Chris Hawkins; grandchildren, Tristan Hawkins and Allison Hawkins; mother, Peggy Bills; brother, Randy Dean Bills (Bobbie); sisters, Vicki Bills (Deb Traughber), and Diane Moore; brothers-in-law, Mike Baker, and David Baker (Belinda); and several nieces and nephews and other family.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fairview Cemetery or Baylor Scott and White Hillcrest Foundation, Attn: Jeremy Ksionda, 100 Hillcrest Medical Blvd., Waco, TX 76712.
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Prayers of comfort during this difficult time. Sherry will definitely be missed!
James my heart is broken for you and the family. Sherry was such a good friend to me over the years. Her memory will always be a part of my heart.
James and family. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Sherry. I will be keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers!
James and family,
I am heart broken to hear about the passing of Sherry. I will continue to lift everyone in prayers. God bless.
Kelvin
So sorry to hear of her passing 🙁
Paul and I are so sad to hear of Sherrys passing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and your family. Judy and Paul Odom
James I am so heartbroken for you guys! Sherry loved you guys so much just watching the video shows her joy for her family! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
James, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. You have such precious memories to hold onto of a very special lady.
James we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Allan & Kathy Blahuta
James and family, I am so sorry to have heard of the passing of Sherry. She was always such a kind, gentle soul and never did I see her that she didn’t have a smile on her face. I’m thankful for having known her and for all she did in her career and her family life. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Please accept our condolences for your loss. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Greg and Nina Lippe
My heart and prayers go out to you all
James, I was shocked to hear the news. God Bless you and your family. Take care.
Vickye
I am sorry of Sherry’s passing. James and Chris I am praying for each of you and your family. May you feel the Lord’s comfort and love . May Sherry’s precious memories feel your heart with joy.
James, Chris and family…I’m so sad to hear of Sherry’s passing. My prayers for strength & healing during this very sad time.
Chris, James and family – I’m so sad and sorry to hear about Sherry’s passing. Prayers of strength and comfort during this difficult time.
James and family, we are so sad to learn of Sherry’s death. She was a ray of sunshine to countless. It’s also sad that your many friends cannot be at the service because of the COVID-19 restrictions. We are keeping you close in our hearts and prayers.
James and family,
My husband and I are praying for you all to have comfort in the memories and in each other during this difficult time. Sherry was such a wonderful person and mentor. I will always remember her smile and grace that she exemplified to anyone that she encountered. She was an amazing nurse and leader.
Prayers are with you and your family.
James and family,
We will forever hold fond memories of Sherry and the kindness she and you all extended to the Canadian nurses when we moved to Waco in 1992, as well as her mentorship as we forged our way into the amazing career of nursing. We will never forget her incredible heart and the twinkle in her eyes and the beautiful smile that was always on her face. Know that she was well loved and respected by many and will never be forgotten!
James, Chris and family, so sad to learn the news about Sherry. Prayers for you all in the days ahead. Debbie Philpott-Lewis
Sherry was one of “oldies but goodies” who worked alongside so many of us!!! Many prayers and blessings sent to family during this bittersweet time.
Sherry was a treasurer friend and nurse. We worked together on the BSW Top 25 Nurses Committee and she was such a caring person and lesleader. Prayers for Sherry’s family and many friends. Carolyn Jackson
My deepest sympathies for Sherry’s passing. Sending you all love and prayers.
-Seth Philpott
Sherry was an amazing ,kind soul. It was a privilege to work with her. Prayers for all of the family in the days ahead.
James and family,
We were so saddened to hear of Sherry’s passing.
Please know we are thinking of you and praying for peace and comfort for all of you.
Our love and sympathy to you and your family, James. Sherry was such a big part of making me the nurse I am today, and I will always be grateful for her guidance.
James and Family,
We were saddened to hear of Sherry’s passing.
Please know we are thinking of all of you and praying for peace and comfort .
Prayers for family??Sherry hired me as a nurse in 1995 and put me on my path to discovering my passion in nursing. What a wonderful influence she had in so many lives!
James I am heartbroken. Sherry was the best! She was a big part of my daily life for a long time! My prayers to you and Chris. Cindy Mabry
Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers!!
Larry and Sharon Stuckly.
Dear James and Chris, prayers for you and your sweet family at this great time of loss. Deepest regrets and sympathy.
Thoughts and prayers to the entire family. Sherry was a beautiful person, inside and out, a wonderful mentor and associate. Sincere sympathy to her mom, Peggy!
Prayers and blessings for the family❤️
Sherry was a wonderful nurse and friend. We worked together in the “old” pediatrics unit at Hillcrest. As a new faculty member she made me feel so welcome. Blessings and prayers to James & family. May a beautiful lady rest in the loving hands of God.
James and Chris, My heart is heavy for you with the loss of your loved one. Sherry was a bright light in many lives. God’s blessings of comfort and strength for you in the days ahead.
I am honored and blessed to have known Sherry for the past 30 years. She was truly a blessing to the nursing profession. May our Lord bless and comfort your family during this time of grief.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Sherry lived life with grace, compassion and laughter – a life well lived! May her legacy continue through her precious grandchildren.
So sorry to hear of Sherry’s passing. She was a good friend and associate at Hillcrest for many years. Sherry was smart, kind and a pleasure to know and work together. James I pray for your comfort and for that of your family.
James & family, we are truly sorry about Sherry’s passing. You & your family are in our thoughts & prayers.
Baker, I am so sorry to hear of Sherry’s passing you and the family will be in my prayers.
James, we are so sorry to hear of Sherry’s death.
Our prayer is that you and your family might have the Peace of God.
James, Chris and family, so sorry for the loss you are suffering. Sherry was a great lady and will be missed greatly. She was a good friend to me and my girls.
James, Chris and family we love y’all so much. She was special to many, Please take comfort in knowing that we love you and are praying for you.
Mrs. Bills (Peggy) and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mrs. Bills (Peggy) and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers your way,
Mrs. Bills, Sorry for your loss. Thinking about you.
James, Chris, Tristan, Alli,
I can never express in words how much Sherry meant to me! She was my mentor, my boss but more than all of that, she was my dear friend! Sherry and I texted Sunday evening, just catching up…..it was a wonderful blessing to spend some time with her. I am grateful and blessed to have known her. She taught me so many things that I use everyday in my nursing career! My prayers to the family and I pray that God’s LOVE will enfold you and bring you peace and strength in the days ahead. More than anything, Sherry TREASURED her family! I will be there Thursday, I hate that because of all this craziness, I can’t visit with each of you. Sending much love, hugs and prayers………………Melonnie
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Sherry’s passing. Will miss her at quilt guild meetings and retreats! She was so sweet and talented.
Prayers for her entire family!
Such sweet memories that will be in your hearts forever. Such a sweet lady that always had a smile on her face.
James and family – sending prayers up for you to have comfort knowing how much she is loved
James and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of Sherry’s passing. Praying for all of you.
My prayers are with the family.
Hope Dominguez-Reese
I was so sorry to hear this. We will keep you, James, and all of the family in our prayers. Sending many hugs and prayers at this time.
James,
My heart is broken over the news of the loss of Sherry. You and Sherry are many of the sweet memories I hold from Waco. Peace be with you and your family as you adjust to your new normal without Sherry. Praying for all.
I worked with Sherry for many years at Hillcrest. She was one of the best and I was blessed to know and work with her.
We were so very sorry to hear about Sherry. Prayers and hugs to you James, and prayers for all of your family.
Sherry’s family, I know her loss will leave a gap in your family. She talked of you often- specially the grandchildren- she did delight in you. Her smile in the world will be missed. .May you feel God’s arms and his peace during this time as you remember her. Timing seems so wrong not to be able to do this with a hug and share memory in person, but she loved nursing and her job. She was loved back.
Loved this wonderful, wise, fun woman.
My prayers are with the family.
James, Chris and family, I’m so sorry to hear about Sherry. She was so loving and kind. Looking back I can’t remember a time that she wasn’t there supporting Allison and Tristan at a school events. You have great memories to share. Prayers for you in the days to come.
Sherry will be deeply missed…James, we are praying for you and your sweet family.
Becky Hardie
My memories of Sherry are so dear. She was my work momma for 20 years! Always a sound ear and solid advice when I needed it. After a handful of years working together we learned my husband and Chris had gone to school together. It was such a small world. Her loving heart helped me out when my dad died of cancer at 48 and she shared her own battles with me. I will miss her spirit, but know of a few legacy Hillcrest people up there having a ball with her! Love to yalls family during this time and always.
Our sincere prayers, sympathy, and thoughts to your entire family.
Elaine and Joe Seeber
James, Chris , Tristan and Allison
Sorry for your loss. She was one in a million. She loved y’all with everything she had. She was so proud of you all. Such a special neighbor, friend and cheerleader of her grandchildren. You all are in my prayers
I’m so sorry to hear of Sherry’s passing. We worked together on several different projects over the years and she was always so upbeat, kind and positive, a delight to work with and a pleasure to be around. She would greet you always with a smile and a twinkle in her eye. I will miss her! My condolences to you and my prayers are with your family.
James one can only imagine what you and Chris are going thru now. This current virus we are all dealing with makes it very difficult for your friends to be by your side at this time but you and I know you have so many that want to help in any way so take comfort even though perhaps not there in person we are with you always in our prayers and thoughts Sherry was indeed a very special person and one who do anything for her family. May she rest in peace now
There are simply no words. Sherry taught others by how she lived, which is the Hallmark of the best teacher possible. Sherry taught others love, patience, grace and kindness by the way she lived, and this is the Hallmark of a woman filled by the peace of her own tentative life, and supreme maker. Anyone who knew her was surely blessed.
Oh God thank you for 1974 – and the joy we shared in common passions.
Comfort to Chris, Tristan and her mini- ms. Allie she cherished you. Peace James- her eyes never ever darkened their sparkle for you.
May her remarkable life remind us she would want us to continue remarkably.
Love you all!
Sherry was a wonderful co-worker and occasional quilting buddy. She always took her work and responsibilities seriously, but she was also always up for some fun. She will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
James
We are sorry to hear about Sherry. You and your family will be in our prayers
Jimmy and Betty Helton
James. Chris and family. We are so sorry to hear of Sherry’s passing. She will truly be missed. Please know we are thinking and praying for all of during this difficult time.
James and family… our hearts are heavy for you all today. Sherry was a bright star.. Leader, wife, momma, grandmother… she enjoyed all her roles in life. Sending prayers and hugs for everyone. God Bless
James and family,
I am heart broken to hear about the passing of Sherry. Please know I will continue to lift you and your family up in prayers.
What a joy to know and work with Sherry for many years. My condolences and prayers for peace and comfort for each of you. Darlene
James, I am so saddened to hear of the loss of your dear wife. Mike and I send our sincere condolences.
I was so blessed to be able to travel many years with sherry as she tackled learning to play the piano. Many happy memories of her dressed up and performing in the duet derby. I shall miss her kind spirit and determined heart.
James, Chris & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you
now and in the days ahead.
James, Chris and I were so saddened to hear of Sherry’s passing. That smile on her face in the pictures in the video is exactly how I remember her from the days we worked together at the old Hillcrest. May you feel the Lord’s presence in the days ahead.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God bless you.
Bud & Shanna Snapka
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are lifted up for you and your family!
My prayers & condolences to the family. This was a shock to hear about. I like Sherry a lot. She is a good person & nurse. She is good to her family. I like how she interacted with the children. She made them feel special. She will be missed.
James,
We are so sad about the loss of Sherry. You and your family are in our prayers.
I’m so sorry to hear of one of my leaders and friends while I worked at Hillcrest Pediatrics. She was a great leader and always there to help me when I had questions. Just wanting her family to know that I will be thinking and praying for them. Vickie Ayers LVN
So sorry to hear of Sherry’s passing. I went to school with her at La Vega as well as sharing some times at Hillcrest. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. RIP Sherry. You will be surely missed. I know God has you in his loving arms. Evelyn Odle
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Dear James and family,
Harvey and I are so saddened by the news of Sherry’s death. We have so many fond memories of you both and are so sorry that we cannot be with you during this time. Please know that we are lifting you and all those who loved Sherry up in prayer and keeping you close in our thoughts.
Harvey and Jo Spark and family
Dear James and family,
Harvey and I are so saddened by the news of Sherry’s death. We have so many fond memories of you both and are so sorry that we cannot be with you during this time. Please know that we are lifting you and all those who loved Sherry up in prayer and keeping you close in our thoughts. May her memory be a blessing now and always.
Harvey and Jo Spark and family
Jim and family – I have so many fond memories of Sherry – we had fun walking on the dam, Going to Baylor Basketball games and talking. She was also a great friend when I moved to WACO to work at Hillcrest. She loved the grandkids and family and would always speak of fun activities. May the Lord bless and keep you all.
Sincerest sympathy to you and family
Elizabeth (Libby) Sayklay
Dear James and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness. Sherry was a blessing to all who knew her. Her twinkling eyes (sometimes mischievous), her infectious smile, her love for people (especially her family), and her passion to live life to the fullest regardless of the challenge will always be remembered.
I am so sorry to hear of Sherry’s passing. She was always so helpful to me and my nursing students at Hillcrest. Sherry and I also worked today at the American Cancer Society and co-chaired the Patient Education Committee. May memories of Sherry and the love of family surround you and give you strength in the days ahead.
Sorry for your loss.
Baker family, we are so saddened to hear of your loss. Deepest condolences sent.
James , Chris, and family please be comforted in knowing that we are praying for you and love you. Sherry was special to all of us.
Chris, Melissa, Sydney and Jimmy
James and Chris, you are in my thoughts and prayers. We share your pain and loss. We are here for you and yours. Stay strong.
Sue Lowry
Mike Lowry
Jennifer Lowry Roach
James and family, Allen and I are so sorry to hear of Sherry passing. We are keeping you and your family in our prayers
May God wrap his arms around you all in comfort and peace.
Allen and Mary Jane Dennis
James,
We are sorry to hear about your loss.
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time.
Sean & Jeanette
Brad & Claire McMahon
I feel privileged and honored to have known Sherry and even though I was not a nurse I always saw her loving smile and daily caring. Prayers to her family and all the wonderful people that were fortunate enough to have known her. She touched many a life and I am feel fortunate that she touched mine
James — We are so sorry to hear of your profound loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
With Love,
Joyce Mercer & Jan Mercer Magid
James,
Robby and I were heartbroken to hear this news. I (Wendy) remember how kind she was to me when we went to dinner at Saltgrass. May you cherish the memories of 43 years of married life together and look forward to the reunion one day to come. Our family will be lifting you and the family up in our prayers in the days to come.
With Love,
Robby & Wendy Bergerson
DearJames and family, many of my most cherished memories were made with Sherry. I learned so much from her, she was a wonderful mentor to so many nurses, she was a great travel companion. I will never forget her dancing the Macarena in a Scottish restaurant,, I loved her dearly. My prayers are with you all, my the Lord wrap his arms around you all and love you through your grief. Linda and George Thompson .
I will miss quilting beside her at retreats. She knew how to have fun and create beautiful quilts and memories. Prayers for peace of heart during this time.
To James and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this extremely difficult time. Sherry was an amazing lady and a wonderful friend. I worked with her for many years at Hillcrest, and she taught me so much about nursing, leadership, and life in general. I will forever miss her kind words, contagious smile, that incredible sense of humor, and her unforgettable words of wisdom.
Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family.
Sherry will be sorely missed by so many. She was a nurse in pediatrics when I was hired and we were together throughout her long climb up the management ladder. Her determination and continued smile through her cancer treatments demonstrated her love of nursing and the nursing profession in general. I know you will miss her tremendously. Please rest assured that you will be lifted in prayers for a long time. Much love and hugs to you James and Chris
Sherry was professional, always thoroughly prepared, and a natural leader. Always a positive person and such a pleasure to work with. I am fortunate to have known and worked with her.
Saturday, April 11
Dear James,
I missed seeing Sherry’s obituary in the newspaper until last night. I know how much my three sons loved you and Sherry so I called all three to tell them. They each told stories about playing sports with Chris and about how you and Sherry always treated them with kindness and love far beyond any others. The single thing I remember most vividly is how much you loved Sherry. They each asked that we do something as a family and each one wanted to contribute their part. James, please email me at this address or call me on my cell at 254-744-8727. It has been a long time.
With love from the Nesbitt Family (Bill A, Bill H, Tom, & Joe)
James — We are so sorry to hear of your profound loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
With Love,
Joyce Mercer & Jan Mercer Magid
James, words are never enough but it’s the best we can offer in times like this. I’ve told you many time how impressed I am with your positive attitude and I know Sherry was blessed to have you in her life for more than 43 years. Our prayers are with you and you family. Thank you for your support of Baylor athletics and specifically Baylor Softball. You mean the world to our girls. To all of us. We love you friend!
James, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Baylor Softball loves you!
Thinking of Sherry today. I will always remember the fun times we had together. So many girl trips and simply trying to get through school. The endless drives to Arlington some late into the night. James you have been a part of our family even before I knew Sherry. My Mom felt like she part raised you. My continued prayers for the family as you miss and deal with the loss.