LEMA JANET BAKER

Lema Janet Baker, age 85, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2023 at home with her loving family by her side. She was born in Haysi, November 24, 1937. She was the daughter of the late Clyde and Elsie Counts. She was a graduate of Haysi High School. Lema married Joe Lee Baker in 1960, and they later began the publication of the The Cumberland Times, “The Best Newspaper Printed in Dickenson County by a Dam Site.” After retiring from the newspaper, they owned and operated the Flemingtown Market for many years. Lema was a member of the Clintwood Baptist Church, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, as well as friend to many.

She is preceded in death by her parents and husband; sisters, Lois Barton, Maggie Stewart and Patricia Addison; a brother, W.C. Counts, and grandson Nathan Baker.

Survivors include her three sons, Dennis Baker and wife Eugenia of Clintwood, Joe Baker and wife Karen of Gray, Tn., Seth Baker and wife Melonie of Clintwood; one daughter Janet J. Hayes of Kingsport, Tn.; two brothers, Donnie Counts and wife Patti of Pound and Ronnie Counts and wife Rita of Haysi; three sisters, Lillian Ratliff and Beulah McKemy both of Abingdon and Colleen Sutherland and husband Bob of Haysi; grandchildren, Nakisha Robinson, Courtney (Luke) Mullins, Kara (Ethan) Collins, Josh Baker, Katie Baker, Tristan (Chasity) Hayes, Chloe Hayes, Rhett Baker and Ryden Baker; great-grandchildren, Destinee Bennett, T.W. Robinson, Nick Robinson, Maverick Mullins, Emi Kate Collins, Easton Hayes, Noa Hayes, and Renley Hayes, along with nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Lema Baker will be conducted Wednesday. February 8, 2023 at 7 p.m. in the Clintwood Funeral Home Chapel with Jim Collie and Joe Baker officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until service time. Burial will follow Thursday at 1 p.m. with a graveside service at the Baker Family Cemetery, Flemingtown section of Clintwood. Anyone attending graveside will meet at Clintwood Funeral Home at 12 noon. Pallbearers will be the grandsons. Online condolences may be given at www.clintwoodfuneralhome.com.

Mrs. Baker and family are in the care of Clintwood Funeral Home.