Phyllis Dean Baker

Mrs. Phyllis Dean Gordon Baker, 74, of Tega Cay, SC passed away Thursday, December 3, 2020 after a year long battle with cancer. She was born in Union County, NC on October 23, 1946, daughter to the late Albert Steve and Verla Helms Gordon. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Haggins Baker, Sr. She is also preceded in death by brothers Rondall Steve Gordon, Jimmy Ray Gordon, Sr., and Albert Doland Gordon. Funeral services will be private. Phyllis is survived by her three children and their spouses, Rick and Trina Baker, Brian and Karen Baker, Christy and Danny Tolentino; grandchildren Chelsi and Justin Shaw, Stephen Baker, Bradley Baker, Baker Tolentino, Laike Tolentino; great-grandchildren Kenden Shaw, Avery Shaw, August “Dean” Shaw; sisters Sylvia Gibson and Libby Adams; sister-in-laws Carol Gordon and Angie Gordon; along with many nieces and nephews. Phyllis was the perfect example of a devoted wife, a caring sister, a loving mother & a super fun-loving Granny and Great-Granny. She was baby sister to the large Gordon family and to them, she answered to the name Tish. She was also Aunt Phyllis “aka” their other mom and friend to all of her nieces and nephews. Phyllis spent years working with her sisters and nieces in the family business, Darlynn’s Bridal & Formal Wear. She loved helping the brides pick gowns and the local girls pick prom dresses. She prided herself in knowing each designer, what gowns they made and she enjoyed being able to help guide each woman and girl to the dress of their dreams. Phyllis did all of the window dressings at Darlynn’s Bridal and decorated for all of the bridal shows. She took great pride in doing these things and loved her work. She sure was a proud baby sister of her two big sisters and was passionate about helping them be successful. Phyllis was a wonderful cook and loved making large meals for her family. She would always say, “this isn’t going to be fit to eat,” but of course it was always delicious! She made a mean breakfast, and her kids and grandkids always loved waking up to it. Whatever your fancy - scrambled eggs or eggs over easy, sausage or bacon, grits or hash browns, she cooked it all. For the holidays, she always made the best sweet potato pies and Oreo dessert - and of course banana bread. I guess you could say these were Phyllis’s signature holiday dishes. She knew what each family member liked and always cooked something for everyone and they always looked forward to meals in her home. Phyllis loved to play games (especially card games) with all of her family and her grandchildren and even great grandchildren will be able to hold this memory. She praised her children no matter what choice they might make in life...and she was always there to support them. Anyone that knew Phyllis knew how proud she was of all of her children and grandchildren. After her husband Richard passed away in 2004, Phyllis took up dancing as a hobby. She could tear up the dance floor with a boot scootin boogie! She danced right up until a couple of years ago and always took great joy in it. Phyllis had a heart for children and in her later years volunteered at The Attention Children’s Home where she would clean, help fix up the rooms for the kids and prepare lunches. She loved doing this. Last but most certainly not least, If you knew Phyllis, you would know that above all, Phyllis loved Jesus. She spent years as a Pastor’s wife and would always strive to help people come to know the Lord as their own personal savior. She taught each of her children about the love of Jesus and she left this life knowing that her children and grandchildren knew him too and that the separation here on earth would be but for a short time. Phyllis would want everyone who reads this to have this one main take away - Jesus loves you and wants a personal relationship with you. Accept him and it will change your life. You’ll have the promise of a life eternal and death will be but a portal to the beautiful City Four Square, where Phyllis is now walking the street of gold and waiting for you to join her there. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be sent to Children’s Attention Home where Phyllis enjoyed volunteering weekly. Please direct your gift in memory of Phyllis Baker. Gifts may be made online at attentionhome.org/give , by phone at 803-372-5981 or by mail to Children’s Attention Home, PO Box 2912, Rock Hill, SC 29732. Online condolences may be made to www.gordonfuneralservice.com. Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory is caring for the Baker family.