ETHEL CARTER BAKER

POUND, VA – Ethel Carter Baker passed away in the comfort of her home on Wednesday October 16, 2024.

   Ethel was a long-time devout member of Pound United Methodist Church where she held several positions on the Administrative Board and within the United Methodist Women. Ethel was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society of Women educators for many years and was also an officer for Iota State, Alpha Psi Chapter of Wise County.

   On the coldest and snowiest day of March 1, 1934, Ethel Carter and her twin, Frances, were born to their parents, Frank and Rosa Dorton Carter in the Dewey section of Pound, VA. They joined their older sister Lucille. Ethel grew up next door to her maternal grandparents, Creed and Savannah Dorton and attended Dewey School for the first years of her education. Later she attended Christopher Gist High School. Ethel became known for excellent grades and her prowess on the basketball court. She was captain of the ladies’ basketball team in both her junior and senior years at CGHS.

After graduation Ethel attended and graduated from Hiawassee College. 

She then taught for a year at Hillman feeder school in Pound. Next she moved on to Lincoln Memorial University where she earned a BS in Education, plus met and married the love of her life, Earl Baker.

Following graduation from LMU Earl went into the Army and they were in Georgia for the next two years. Ethel taught second grade while they were in Atlanta. Then they came home where 

Ethel took a job teaching 7th grade at Pound Elementary School. Later she moved to Pound High School where she  was to spend the rest of her career as an educator and guidance counselor. In 1971 Ethel and Earl were blessed with a son, William Christopher. After this Ethel returned to school again and earned a masters degree in guidance counseling from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, graduating with honors. Ethel retired from Pound High School after 39 years of service.

Ethel was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Earl Baker, son William Christopher,  sisters Lucille Carico (Paul) and Frances Boring, and nephew Danny Carico.

Those left to mourn her passing are her granddaughter Holly Baker and Rosa Mae Baker, their mother Caroline Baker, brother-in-law Don Boring, a special sister cousin Glenna Ann Hamilton, Kathy Hamilton, Harper Hamilton, and nieces Kathy Musick, Sherry Blair, and Karen Lamon, nephews Terry Boring and David Carico. Also her very special friends and caretakers Diane and Chris Sproles, along with a host of family, friends and former students.

   Special thanks to her very kind caretakers Tammy Hensley, Yvonne Stallard, Jessica Carter and Wanda Hilton.

   Funeral services were conducted at 2:00pm Friday October18, 2024 at the Pound Methodist Church with Reverend Randy Carter officiating. The family received friends from 1:00 pm until time of services.

   Entombment and committal services followed in the Powell Valley Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Big Stone Gap, VA.

   In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Pound Rescue Squad, P O Box 711, Pound, VA 24279.

   The staff at Baker Funeral Home- Pound, VA is in charge of arrangements and extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Ethel C. Baker.