Ella Mae Whiddon Baker

Posted on June 5, 2024

Ella Mae Whiddon Baker, 97, passed away on May 31, 2024, at her home in Perry. She was born March 7, 1927, in Perry to Joseph Edgar Courtney and Mattie Catherine Freeman Courtney. Mrs. Ella Mae was a Baptist and a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Perry. She served her Lord by singing in the choir and taught Sunday School for 7-8 year olds earlier in life. Later, she led the senior class known as the Keenagers Group, and participated with the Handbell’s Choir at the church. She was a part of the Florida Baptist Worship Choir for 10 years. She also found time to volunteer for Doctors’ Memorial Hospital (DMH) and was a member of the Perry Garden Club. Mrs. Ella Mae retired from Dorsett’s Insurance Agency as its administrative assistant after 35 years of employment. In her spare time she enjoyed traveling, and being outdoors tending to her plants and garden. Ella Mae was preceded in death by: her husband of 56 years, Jesse Lawton Whiddon; her daughter, Sheila Dianne Whiddon Ratliff; her son, Eddie Whiddon; her parents, Joseph Edgar and Mattie Catherine Courtney; her sisters, Marjorie Denmark, Jimmie Lee Thomas and Shirley Inez Tyler; and her brother, Joe Courtney. Ella Mae Whiddon Baker is survived by: her husband of 15 years, Pastor Glenn Baker; her granddaughters, Michelle (Jimmie) Ratliff-Shiver and Shelby Whiddon Watson; her grandson, James (Pattie) Ratliff Jr.; stepchildren, Bob (Janet) Baker and Bill (Robyn) Baker; daughter-in-law, Mary Whiddon; brother-inlaw, Stan Tyler Sr.; sisterin-law, Claudette Courtney; two grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces and nephews also survive her. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 5, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Perry with Dr. Stephen Ruff officiating. Interment services will follow in Oakland Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 10-11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to First Baptist Church. All arrangements are under the direction of Burns Funeral Home of Perry. Friends may sign the online guest book at www. joepburnsfuneralhomes. com.