Sue Gilbert Baker (Sudie) went to be with the Lord on December 27th in Athens, Tennessee. She was born on October 3, 1924, in Dothan, Alabama to John W. and Eula H. Gilbert. She graduated from Bob Jones College in 1945 and was married to Ansell Tupper Baker, Jr., for 62 years. Sue was a loving pastor’s wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt. She was a gifted pianist and Bible teacher and was active in the community. Sue was an elementary school teacher and guidance counselor who did graduate work at UTC. She and Ansell traveled to 50 countries and toured the Holy Land multiple times. They lived in Chattanooga for 21 years and in Athens for nearly 50 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two sisters and a brother and their spouses. She is survived by her daughters, Sandra MacMillan (Dan) and Joan Benson (John) and a son, Ansell Tupper Baker, III, (Lynn), six grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson. She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews.
There will be a visitation at Smith Funeral Home on Friday, January 6, 2023, between Noon and 2:00 pm followed by a graveside service and interment at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Athens.
The family would like to especially thank the staff at Morning Pointe Assisted Living in Athens, Hearth Hospice of Cleveland, and Ashley's Southern Hospitality for their love and care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Athens, 305 Ingleside Avenue, Athens, TN 37303; Benevolent Fund, or the Galactesemia Foundation (in support of Sudie's 2 great-granddaughters) 350 Northern Blvd., Ste 324-1079, Albany NY 12204-100 or www.galactosemia.org).