Lula Athyne ‘Granny’ Baker

Lula Athyne “Granny” Baker, age 101, a resident of Sparta, Tenn., and formerly of Oliver Springs, passed away Friday, April 12, at the Life Care Center of Sparta.

Mrs. Baker was born on Sept. 2, 1911, in Van Buren County, Tenn.

Granny Baker was a faithful Christian and a member of the First Baptist Church in Spencer, Tenn. However, when her health allowed, she attended the First Baptist Church in Oliver Springs.

She was a homemaker, a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Mrs. Baker was “Granny” to all, a lady who loved her family and friends, and with a calm and gentle spirit, she inspired all who came her way. Mrs. Baker enjoyed sewing and quilting.

She was preceded in death by her parents, I.B. and Hattie Poore Maynard; by her husband of 57 years, Lester Baker; by a daughter, Gail Daugherty; by sons, Glenn and Carl Baker; by sisters, Pearl Measles and Orphia Argo; and by four brothers, Bill, Bob, Ken, and Brintz Maynard.

Granny Baker is survived by daughters and son-in-laws, Louise Davis and husband Ernest of Nashville, Helen Savage and husband George of Sparta; by sons, Charles Lester Baker Jr. and wife Sammie of Spencer, and Joe Burl Baker and wife Elizabeth of Coalfield; by 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Mickey Baker of Harriman; by a son-in-law, Louie Daugherty of Roanoke, Va.; and by several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a host of special friends who loved her.

The family received friends Sunday, April 14, between 4 and 7 p.m. at Sharp Funeral Home.

Funeral services were held Monday, April 15, at 12 p.m. in the chapel of Sharp Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Lowery officiating. Burial and graveside services followed at Anderson Memorial Gardens.

Sharp Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book is available at www.sharpfh.com.