Theresa Ann (Nelson) Baker

Mrs. Theresa Ann (Nelson) Baker, age 89, of Sanford, NC transitioned to eternal rest on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Wake Med Raleigh Hospital in Raleigh, NC.

Theresa Nelson Baker, affectionately known as "Ms. Theresa," was born October 8, 1936, in Colon, North Carolina, to Fred Nelson and Lillian Nelson. She departed this life on June 6, 2026. She completed her high school education at W. B. Wicker High School in 1955.

Preceding her in death were her father, Fred J. Nelson; her mother, Lillian L. Nelson; and her three brothers, Jehu Nelson, Calvin Nelson, and Charles Nelson.

She leaves to cherish her memory her three children from a previous marriage: Tony Earl Williams (Lena), Janet Elizabeth Bullock (Milton), and Jonathan Keith Williams; and her stepson, Preston Williams.

She also leaves to cherish her memory her grandchildren: Tasha Burgess, Shemeka Fox, Toinette Thorpe (Dameko), Tiffany Winston (David), Milton Ramel Bullock (Latoshia), Trent Dublin, Tenee Williams, Jasmine Williams, and Ashanti Williams; 24 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her brother, Ander T. Nelson (Rebecca); her sisters, Lillian Armstrong and Evelyn Nelson; her uncle, Lodie Nelson (Ann); her sister-in-law, Anna Nelson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Special nephews: Ricky Lyles, Steve Lyles, and Marlon McLeod. A Special niece: Yolanda Womble.

Her two special and faithful friends, Sis. Addie Reives and Sis. Gaynel McIver remained devoted to Ms. Theresa throughout the years. Whether she was at home, in rehabilitation, or at Westfield Rehabilitation and Health Center, they faithfully visited her, encouraged her, sat with her, and at times even helped feed her. Their love, friendship, and unwavering support were a true blessing in Ms. Theresa's life.  Other special friends include Maxine Trumbo, Helen McCormick, and Patricia Enodson.

If you ever met Ms. Theresa, she left a lasting impression on you with her smile and Words of Encouragement. No one was a stranger to her. She had a special way of making people feel welcomed, valued, and encouraged.

Many affectionately knew Ms. Theresa as the "7x's Lady" because of her special way of praising God. She would joyfully say:

"Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen! Amen!"

And if you were around Ms. Theresa, you had to say it with her. Her praise unto God became one of her trademarks and a lasting memory for all who knew and loved her.

When Ms. Theresa was in good health, she faithfully ministered to others. She visited widows, made prayer calls, and shared books and inspirational messages to encourage those in need. She also served as a volunteer for the Enrichment Center in Sanford.

Ms. Theresa was a Woman of God who read her Bible daily. Even during her time at Westfield Rehabilitation and Health Center, you would often find her with her head in her Bible. She continued to participate in Sunday School and looked forward to creating acronyms from the Sunday School themes each week.

She created an original card ministry, sending words of encouragement through get-well, birthday, anniversary, and other special occasion cards. She prayed several times a day from her prayer bag. If you called Ms. Theresa, she would often say, "I just finished praying for you!"

If you ever visited Ms. Theresa at her Sandhill apartment, you could not leave without receiving a Scripture verse from the glass jar in her kitchen.

Ms. Theresa was very proud to be a W.B. Wicker alumnus and never missed a Reunion.

Ms. Theresa accepted Christ at an early age and remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life.

Ms. Theresa was originally a member of Fair Promise AME Zion church, where she served as a youth Sunday School teacher. She also wrote poems and plays for her church. She ran several times and won both "Mother of the Year" and "Ms. Fair Promise" in church fundraisers. A Deaconess, an Usher, and sing in the Choir.

When she married her second husband, Mr. Charlie Baker, she joined Star Hope, where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and became a Deaconess. After her husband's death, she returned to Fair Promise, where she served in several ministries, including the Women's Home and the Overseas Missionary Society, until her health declined.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." -----2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)