On Friday, January 13, 2017, Dr. Joyce Ann Holmes Baker passed away peacefully at Southside Regional Medical Center. She was born on October 8, 1952 to the late Deacon Robert H. Holmes, Sr. and Bernice Holmes in Surry County, Virginia. Dr. Baker was a 1971 graduate of Luther Porter Jackson High School in Dendron, Virginia. She received her B.S. in Special Education from Norfolk State University, M.Ed. in Special Education from Virginia State University and Doctor of Education Degree from Nova Southeastern University in Education Leadership. She worked at Southside Training School in Dinwiddie and for Gloucester Public Schools as a Special Education Teacher. Dr. Baker was employed at Surry County Public Schools as a Special Education Teacher, High School Guidance Counselor, and finally as Director of Special Education and Federal Programs. She also taught GED classes in the past and served as the GED Administrator for Surry County Public Schools. Dr. Baker loved children and worked in public education for over 40 years.

Dr. Baker joined Jerusalem Baptist Church at an early age and was a devoted and faithful church member. She served as Chairperson of the Trustee Board, Assistant Sunday School Superintendent, co-teacher for the Sunday School Junior Class, as well as serving on the Usher Board and Hospitality Committee.

Dr. Baker was a member of the Williamsburg Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and a Worthy Matron of Loving Hope Chapter #9, O.E.S., a Charter Member and First Vice-President of the Surry County Lions Club, member of the Surry County Education Association, Virginia Education Association, National Education Association, Virginia Council of Administrators for Special Education (VCASE), and the NAACP. She also served as an election officer and volunteered at the Surry Area Free Clinic. Dr. Baker served in the United States Army Reserves for over 10 years.

Dr. Baker leaves to cherish her memories her mother, Bernice Holmes; son, Charles; granddaughter, Shamiah Wilkins; five sisters, Ilona Wilkins, Dr. Marion Wilkins (Oliver), and Dr. Barbara Brown of Waverly, Jacqueline Hadley (Apostle Joseph), of Chesapeake, and Candice Jones-Holmes, Petersburg; two- brothers, James (Alberta) of Chesterfield and Robert Jr. (Gaynelle) of Hampton; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

There will be a wake for Dr. Baker Friday, January 20, 2017 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Jerusalem Baptist Church, 6512 Carsley Road, Waverly, Virginia. Funeral Service for Dr. Baker will be 12:00pm, Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Jerusalem Baptist Church, 6512 Carsley Road, Waverly, Virginia, Pastor George Brown, Eulogizing. Interment will follow at the Holmes Family Cemetery.