Joann Vernice Baker

JoAnn Vernice Baker (Gilkerson), 83, was born on September 20, 1938 in Longview, Washington and passed away on January 28, 2022 in Castle Rock, Washington surrounded by family. JoAnn grew up in Longview and attended R.A. Long High School. While at R.A. Long she met the love of her life, Marvin Baker, and they married on April 27, 1956. They were happily married for 64 years.
JoAnn was a caregiver for over twenty years at the Frontier and the Crawford House before retiring. After moving into The Villager Assisted Living, she still continued to try and offer that same care to the other residents. JoAnn loved to play the piano, walk the lake, go on trips to the beach and Mt. St. Helens; but above all else her faith, family, and friends were most important to her.
JoAnn is survived by her eight children Alana (Lonnie) Odem, Sherry (Steve)Brewer, Marvin (Sue) Baker, David (Liz) Baker, Craig (Judy) Baker, Deanna (Jim) Zdilar, Dennis (Heather) Baker, and Jeff (Andrea) Baker. 24 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, and nephews. JoAnn is also survived by her brothers, Gary (Sunee) Gilkerson, Ron (Nancy) Gilkerson, and Gale Gilkerson, and her aunt Delores Smith.
Proceeded in death is her husband Marvin Baker, her parents Edward and Minerva Gilkerson, and a sister Marcella Gilkerson.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2022 from 11:00-5:00pm at Steele Chapel at Longview Memorial Park. A service will be held at Hockinson Apostolic Lutheran Church 16108 Northeast 192nd Avenue, Brush Prairie, WA 98606 on Friday, February 11, 2022 at 11:00am. For those who cannot attend the service will be live streamed at www.hockinsonchurch.org.
The family would like to extend their great appreciation to the staff at The Villager Assisted Living in Castle Rock, JoAnn’s home for the last three years.