Joan E. Baker

Joan Elizabeth Baker, 86, of Galesburg, died at 3:15 a.m. Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at Davenport Lutheran Home, Davenport, IA. Joan was born November 22, 1931 in Washington D.C. the daughter of Joseph Walter and Regina Lillian (Kilroy) Smith. She married Robert E.F. Baker on July 29, 1950 in Washington D.C. He preceded her in death on October 22, 2001. Joan is survived by one son, Christopher E. (Valerie) Baker of Virginia Beach, VA and one daughter, Regina A. (Phillip) Dodge of Davenport, IA; and one sister, Ruth R. “Dolly” Fitzpatrick of Waldorf, MD. Joan is also survived by five grandchildren: Patrick R. (Brooke) Dodge of Eldridge, IA; Elizabeth A. Baker, Rebekah M. (Christopher) Morrow, Joshua D. Baker, and Noah R. Baker, all of Virginia Beach, VA; two great grandchildren, Lisbeth M. and Liliana G. Dodge, of Eldridge, IA; and many nieces and nephews. Along with her parents and husband, Joan was preceded in death by a son, Robert J. Baker; a daughter, Marilyn F. Baker; and a brother, Joseph E. Smith. Joan enjoyed a successful career with the National Endowment for the Humanities in Washington D.C. for 24 years, retiring as the head of the Programs and Records Branch in 1991. Outside of her career, Joan’s life revolved around her family. She will be remembered as a compassionate and loving sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt – beloved by her family and all who knew her. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg with eulogies read at 7:30 p.m. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, January 20, 2018 at East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.