Elizabeth Baker

Elizabeth Miller “Libby” Baker, daughter of the late Russel and Ruth Miller, was born December 4th, 1935, in Newton, North Carolina. After moving to Charlotte, North Carolina as a young girl, she attended Harding High School, and later, Kings College.

At 19, Libby took a job with Pixie Pin-ups (a traveling photography studio), which fueled her lifelong passion for travel. Without knowing a soul, she drove up and down the east coast honing her photography skills. Seeing new horizons and meeting new friends at every step, she kept a journal and scrapbook depicting the world as it opened before her. It was on these journeys that she met her former husband, Dick, and her lifelong best friend, Dean Skipper. Young and enthusiastic for adventure, these two ladies became inseparable in life.

Libby’s love for traveling carried her to many places later in life. Whether traveling to see grandchildren in Germany, or driving cross country to California or Ohio, she found herself in all the many states in between. Libby loved going on “excursions.” Another favorite saying was to “be where your feet are.” She didn’t live in the past or worry too much about the future. She just wanted to see the world and be in the moment.

Although she continued taking pictures, she also had many special memories while working as a hostess at Annabelle’s Restaurant. Libby was extremely creative, artistic, and social. Her eye for decorating, making costumes, or designing posters was a much-utilized skill during her employment. Annabelle’s became more of a family than a job.

Libby was also resilient and daring. After being told that she could not join an all-male toastmasters club (a public speaking and leadership club) in her town she did not give up. When an opportunity for dinner along with an invitation to speak came along, she did. She stood in front of a male audience and gave a speech about why women should be allowed to join. The world was changing, and she must have made an impression because the members took a vote, and she was given the opportunity to be the first female speaker in her town.

Libby also developed a skill that she carried through life with her, and that was the ability to make those around her feel loved and seen. Libby always had the time for people who needed it and is a shining example of what it means to live with compassion. Whether it was for her children, or anyone she interacted with, they always got a kind smile given to them before conversation was had. Her smile was something that many got to witness and should remember her by.

Libby was a devoted mother who always put her family first. Hardworking, compassionate, and selfless, she was a beautiful and shining example of unconditional love.

Her love will live on in the hearts and lives of her children: Dorcas (Charlie) Hunsucker, Scotia Minarsch, Erhard Minarsch, Don Baker, and Lance Baker; her grandchildren: Kerstin (Mathias) Ehret, Mattias (Raquel) Minarsch, Nadine Minarsch, Sandrine (Than) Lush, Kara Ann, Charlie Hunsucker IV, Elizabeth “Zazi” Hunsucker and her eight great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Vondetta Thompson and Peggy Earnheart, and her brother, Johnny Miller.

Her last “excursion” was May 1st, as she peacefully took her journey from this earth. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.Alz.org. A private memorial service will be held for the family at a later date.

\“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”

Abraham Lincoln