Joyce Baker

Joyce J. Baker, 74, of Jackson died Tuesday, May 10, 2016, at her home.

She was born March 2, 1942, in Scopus, Missouri, to Jesse Ephriam and Frances Cecil Black Shrum. She and Dwight Leo Baker were married Nov. 30, 1974, in Cape Girardeau. He died Oct. 31, 2005.

Joyce graduated from Patton High School in 1959. She was a member of New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson.

She worked for Tucker Truck Lines for 18 years and for the Southeast Missourian for 13 years.

She is survived by two brothers, Jim (Ann) Shrum of Cape Girardeau and Sam Shrum of Jackson; a sister, Jean Gilliland of Jackson; a stepson, Richard (Judy) Baker of Jackson; two grandsons, Mark (Kim) Baker of Jackson and Anthony Baker of Washington, D.C.; three great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Mabel Shrum of Cape Girardeau; and two brothers-in-law, Francis Urhahn of Oran, Missouri, and Virgil Hammer of Festus, Missouri.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Bill, Clyde and Jake; three sisters, Arcelle, Lola and Katherine; and a grandson, Benjamin Baker.

"Her joy of living was giving."

Joy was a wonderful and giving person who offered her compassion, care and assistance to all those around her. She will be dearly missed by all, but especially her beloved dog, Gracie Lou, her constant companion for 11 years. Gracie brought her much happiness and comfort.

Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Jackson.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jimmie Corbin officiating. Private burial will be at a later date at Plainview Cemetery in Marble Hill, Missouri.

In place of memorials, her family asks anyone whose life she touched to offer an "act of kindness" to someone today in her memory.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.