Margaret Baker

Asheville Margaret Melissa Cooper Baker, 96, passed away Wednesday, January 9, 2019. A native of Yancey County, Mrs. Baker had resided in Buncombe County since 1955. She worked as a full-time CNA until the age of 86. She had been a member of Trinity Baptist Church since the early 1980s, where she proudly served in the Jubilee Choir. Mrs. Baker was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and was much loved by her family and friends. Mrs. Baker was the daughter of the late James and Cora Bell Allen Cooper, and the wife of the late Dewey Lee Baker. She was also preceded in death by her daughters: Rhonda Sue Baker, Joan Baker Silvers, and Linda Baker McNeil; grandson, Kenny Messer; five brothers and one sister. Surviving are her son, Gerald Baker (Candace); ten grandchildren, including Scott McNeil and Pamela Sprinkle; sixteen great-grandchildren, including Jessica Honeycutt; three great, great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Ron Silvers; sister-in-law, Diane Baker; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday in the Chapel of Trinity Baptist Church, with the Rev. Dr. Ralph Sexton, Jr. and Rev. Allen Rash officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hills Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30 2:00 PM Sunday at the church. Anders-Rice Funeral Home is assisting Mrs. Bakers family.