Janet Winn Baker

Janet Winn Baker went to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on July 31, 2020. Born in Gilmer, Texas on June 16, 1925, Janet lived a long, blessed life of 95 years.
Janet is preceded in death by her parents John Coleman Winn and Alice Winn and her husband Kenneth Harlen Baker. Janet is survived by her two sons, Michael M. Baker and wife Shirley, who currently live in Michigan and Kenneth Charles Baker and wife Brenda, who currently live in Houston, Texas; her four grandchildren, Theris Weed, Dana Woods, Laura Shoemaker and Samuel Baker; her great-grandchildren, Lars Abela, Casandra Abela, Seth Baker, Molly Perreault, Lee Perreault, Brandon Dimovski, Sarah Santiago, Christopher Woods, Randall Dillinder, Justin Shoemaker and Brandon Shoemaker; her great-great grandchild, Emily Schmidtke.
Janet and her sister, Kate and brother Bill were born and raised in Gilmer, Texas where her father, John Coleman was a pharmacist and her grandfather, Dr. James Coleman (J.C.) Winn was a medical doctor at the Elmwood Sanitarium located on North Wood Street in Gilmer. At birth, Janet had the privilege of being hand delivered by her grandfather, Dr. Winn at her home.
Janet graduated from Gilmer High School in 1942 and went on to attend Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas for two years. Soon after, Janet married her sweetheart, Mr. Kenneth H. Baker in December of 1945. They were married for 68 years until the death of Kenneth on April 11, 2013.
Janet worked for the Continental Oil Company (Conoco) in Fort Worth for 5 years, but became a stay at home mother with her sons, Mike and Casey after her husband, Kenny began traveling so much with work. Eventually, Kenny’s work moved them to New Orleans, Louisiana, where both Mike and Casey graduated high school and went on to attend college on scholarships and both graduating with engineering degrees. As parents, Janet and Kenny were well pleased with Mike and Casey’s successes.
After her sons, Mike and Casey left home, Janet went to work at Saint Catholic of Sienna in New Orleans, Louisiana while Kenny worked for General Motors, Cadillac division. After retirement, they decided to move back to Gilmer, Texas and build a home on the 16 acres of land left to them by Janet’s father. They moved into their new home in September of 1985 and quickly became involved in the local community; Janet joined the Garden Club, 20th Century Club and the Gilmer Nature Club. She also attended church at First Baptist Church in Gilmer.
Janet left a legacy of special memories to her children and grandchildren. Known as “Honey” to her children and grandchildren, she knew how to pour her sweetness through her good cooking and witty humor, but she had a spicy side to her that never missed a beat. She loved model airplanes, quail hunting, fishing, trolling for shrimp in Lake Pontchartrain with Kenny and working on crossword puzzles as Kenny fetched her coffee every morning. She was known for her amazing apricot fried pies, pecan pies and home-made turkey dressing. Honey and Kenny would host the whole family every Thanksgiving and always had plenty to eat; home-grown tomatoes, olives, whole-milk, black-eyed peas, coffee and homemade biscuits and gravy were some of the staples. Kenny also made his famous brisket and turkey on his smoker grill. The family would take walks along their beautiful property and then gather around the fireplace Kenny always had burning. Her grandson, Sam gave her the nickname, “Champion Tree Farter” as they would climb the tree house they built on her property. Honey and Kenny had lots of companionship with their furry friends throughout their marriage. Their black labs, Sam, Lady, Lilly and mut, Rags; along with their cats, P.S., Chinquapin, Little Girl and Tom-Tom always had a special place in their home and heart. Their home was always full of good food, mischief, movement and life.
Janet, “Honey”, Mrs. Baker will be greatly missed; her contribution to this world and her family has been profound. Just as sweet as Honey could be, she was just as spicy and was a force to contend with. Life did not run her ragged; rather she took life by the throat and lived it completely and fully. She was never without an opinion or position on any situation but she always circled it with love and kindness as she touched all those around her with her wittiness and humor. Farewell for now Janet, until we meet again.