Janie Baker

Mary Jane Baker, 82, of Big Spring, affectionately known as "Janie B", changed her address from Park Place Assisted Living to Heaven on Friday, August 8, 2008. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, August 13, 2008, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Ken Coffee, interim pastor, officiating. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park.The family will receive friends from 6 pm – 7:30 pm Tuesday at the funeral home.Janie was born near Pocasset, Oklahoma August 17, 1925 to Rufus & Lula Carter who preceded her in death. She moved to Texas at the age of 7 and graduated from Spring Lake High School in 1942. She married Duke Baker in March 30, 1946. He preceded her in death March 1, 1976. She moved to Big Spring from Tulare, California in 1948 and began working for the State of Texas in 1965. After working in various areas with the State for 21 years, she retired from the Dept. of Human Resources in December 1986. While working, she attended night classes pursuing a degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology. After receiving an AA From Howard College, she continued her pursuit until she obtained that degree from UTPB in 1980 at the age of 55.Janie was an active member of First Baptist Church for many years where she enjoyed teaching Sunday School to adult women. She loved adventure and felt privileged to travel to many places across the U.S. as well as Europe. Although she had a fear of heights and water, she Bungy Jumped over the Guadalupe River at the age of 67 – 10 years older than the oldest jumper. She also took advantage of an opportunity to parasail and a Hot Air Balloon flight was another highlight.Survivors include three daughters and sons-in-laws, Brenda and David Burleson, Houston; Danna and Mike Watkins, Lubbock; Debbie and Conrad Shifflett, Krum; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Dona McClure, Tulare, California. Other family to precede her in death include a son, David Baker; one brother, Harvey Carter; one sister, Onie Bradshaw.After moving to Park Place, Janie enjoyed playing dominoes & bingo as well as many other activities. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed by family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a favorite charity, First Baptist Church705 W. FM 700, Big Spring, Texas 79720, Park Place, 501 W. 17th, Big Spring, Texas 79720 or Compass Hospice1003 E. FM 700, Big Spring, Texas.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,