Mr. Sylvester Baker Sr.

Mr. Sylvester Baker Sr was born to Thelma Baker Cameron and Dorsey Battle on February 23,1936 in Nash County, North Carolina. He departed this life on July 27, 2022 with his loving family beside him.

He grew up and was educated in Nash County. After serving in the Navy for 4 years, Sylvester moved to Newport News to work in the Shipyard and made it his home. He worked as a welder and retired in1995.

After retiring, Sylvester ran his own welding business creating custom workshop tables, security gates for shops and stores, and beautiful hand railings for apartment complexes, churches and residential homes that can be seen throughout the area. Before joining the Navy, Sylvester met and fell in love with his wife, Barbara. A love and devotion they shared for over 65 years. He was an amazing husband. They enjoyed many joyful years together raising their children, bowling, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Sylvester was a wonderful and devoted father, who after working his shifts at the Shipyard moonlighted as a barber and in retail, to provide more for his family. Even after long days of work, he always tried to spend time with his kids, including sharing his love of sports, especially the Lakers, 49ers, Orioles, and track. He taught his children and grandchildren to work hard, be proud, and stand tall and supported us all throughout the many accomplishments and difficulties of our lives.

During his 60 years in Newport News, Sylvester was an active member of the community from coaching NN Parks and Recreation football to mentoring at the Boys Club. He was a member of the New Grafton Baptist Church, serving as an usher and trustee. He was a member of the Blooming Olive Masonic Lodge 94, attaining the rank of Past Master.

Learning to golf while in the Navy, he developed a passion he maintained throughout his life. As a member of the Old Dominion Golf Club, he was responsible for organizing tournaments that included many celebrities and Black professional golfers.  After family and golf, fishing was another major passion of his and he spent many hours on the pier or out on the water with friends and family. Sylvester had a blessed and fulfilling life. All he did and loved doing his 86 years could fill many books

He was preceded by his parents and granddaughter, Braxton Baker. He leaves to carry on his life, his wife Barbara; 4 children Sylvester Jr, Cynthia Cue (Rick), Beverly Baker (Gene), and Jonathan Baker; 7 grandchildren Kia Thomas (Stanley), Sylvester Baker III, Byron Baker (Monique), Iman Cue, Jodi Cue, Briana Baker, and Brooklyne Baker; 9 great grandchildren; 3 sisters-in-law, 3 brothers-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

It is the desire of the Baker family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Mr. Sylvester Baker Sr. has entrusted his final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home, Inc.

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