Gloria Hutchison Baker

Gloria Virginia Hutchison Baker, 79, of Monroe, was born March 12, 1944, and passed into eternal life on June 22, 2023, after battling cancer. She loved life, and “peace” was her favorite word. She spent her life trying to sow peace: peace among mankind, peace among families, and peace among students. Peace. Her other favorite word was “inclusive.” She loved everyone and thought of everyone as equal and included in the family of God.

Gloria grew up in Charlotte, NC, and graduated from East Mecklenburg High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Appalachian State University and graduated with honors.

Her degree in home economics equipped her with skills and a love of homemaking, and she shared her knowledge freely with others. After college, she taught as an Extension agent in Virginia Beach for nearly three years, while her husband served in the Army. She taught home economics-related classes in North Carolina public schools for 13 years and then served as an Extension agent and field faculty member of N.C. State University for nearly 15 years in Union County. She loved her work and saw it as a “calling” to help others. Through the love, unselfishness, and support of her personal family, she shared family and consumer education with many families.

Many church and civic causes interested Gloria. She served on many committees and boards and networked with several organizations. Her most fulfilling church, career, and civic responsibilities were serving as a Stephen Minister and an Elder at her church, writing a monthly educational newspaper article on family and consumer education, serving as liaison agent for the county Extension clubs, and editing a pastor’s dispatches from Iraq while he was serving as a Chaplain with the National Guard. She enjoyed being a member of her beloved church family for 50 years and was awarded Lifetime Membership in the Presbyterian Women organization.

Gloria is survived by her loving family: husband of 57 years, Charles (Sonny) Baker, son Lee and daughter-in-law Dianne of Apex, NC, along with grandson Chase. Also, she is survived by brother Rodney Hutchison, and two nephews, Tim Hutchison, his daughters Peyton and Mackenzie, and Todd Hutchison, his wife Stephanie, and daughters Katie and Grace. Gloria was predeceased by her parents, Fred and Mabel Hutchison, and her sister-in-law Bettye. She had many special friends of all ages whom she loved like family.

The Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church of Monroe, 302 East Windsor Street, Monroe, NC 28112 with visitation to follow in the church fellowship hall. A private family burial will be at Sardis Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorials be made to First Presbyterian Church, Heritage Endowment, 302 East Windsor St., Monroe, NC 28112.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave, Monroe, NC 28112, is caring for the Baker family.