Judith Knight Baker

Judith Ellen Knight “Judy” Baker, age 86, of Raleigh, North Carolina, died on Thursday, May 15, 2025, following a brief illness.

Judy was born on July 30,1938 in Pinehurst, North Carolina, the daughter of the late Reverend Ralph W. Knight and Mavis McLendon Knight. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Bernie B. Baker Sr. M.D.

Judy graduated from Chowan High School and attended Wake Forest University one year before marrying the love of her life, Bernie, and supporting him through Duke University undergrad and Medical School.

Judy was a devoted wife, mother of four, grandmother “Mimi” to seven granddaughters, and great grandmother to two. She spent most of her life in Edenton, where she was active in her community through Episcopal Church Women at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Edenton Women’s Club, Edenton Garden Club, Chowan Hospital Auxiliary Board, member of the Edenton Historical Commission, President of the James Iredell Association, opening and operating the Country Corner gift shop, and playing a significant role in opening Edenton Ob-Gyn Center, the area’s first Ob-Gyn office.

She moved to Raleigh in 2002 to be closer to family during Bernie’s medical treatments. She remained in Raleigh after his passing in 2004 and became an active parishioner at St. Micheals Episcopal Church and continued to play a pivotal role in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and friends. She was loved dearly by her family, book club, neighbors, and lifelong friends.

Judy is survived by daughter Lori Baker Garrett and husband Ralph Garrett, son Barrie Baker and wife Debbie Baker, daughter Carole Baker Hollowell and husband Ed Hollowell, son Brian Baker, granddaughters Judith Garrett Dail, Grayson Garrett, Emily Baker Tingler, Rachel Baker Lynch, Olivia Baker, Margaret Murray Hollowell, Camille Hollowell, great-granddaughter Maggie Dail, and great-grandson Trey Dail. Judy is also survived by three siblings, Sylvia Poole, Woody Knight and Steve Knight.

A memorial service will be held Friday, May 30th at 11:00 am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Edenton, North Carolina and will be conducted by The Reverend Dr. Robert Sawyer, followed by a reception at the church parish hall. The private burial for immediate family will be held in Beaver Hill Cemetery prior to the church service.

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, St Mary’s Street in Raleigh and Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, are assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to:

• St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 101 W. Gale Street, Edenton, North Carolina, 27932 https://secure.myvanco.com/YH52/campaign/C-YK0Z
• St Michael’s Episcopal Church at 1520 Canterbury Road, Raleigh North Carolina 27608.
•  https://www.holymichael.org/easy-ways-to-give
• Transitions LifeCare at 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27607.
•  https://www.transitionslifecare.org/donate/