Obituary of Virginia Baker

Virginia Rall Baker Bon vivant. Bibliophile. Political Aficionado. All of these phrases could be used to describe Virginia Rall Baker. But something much simpler defined her. It was a love for others, born of her love for Christ. Virginia?s ability and desire to brighten people?s lives was unquenchable from beginning to end. On Jan. 10, after a long and gracious fight with chronic illness, we bid her a temporary farewell. Virginia, a native of Troy, New York, had lived in Charlotte for nearly two decades and loved the city and its people. Here she was an active member of Community Bible Study, Bible Study Fellowship, Central Church and continued her work with the Junior League. Chances are you may have met Virginia in the grocery store, the farmer?s market or a local store. Those who loved her described her as the mayor and laughingly wondered if she wore a sign that said ?talk to me.? Virginia delighted in the art of political debate, a rousing game of bridge (all rules strictly observed) and preparing a gourmet feast. Yet there was nothing and no one Virginia loved more than her family. She never forgot her predeceased parents, (Jack) John Joseph and Charlotte Ackley Rall, and relished her role as ?big sister? to Alicia Rall Jesso. Virginia lived her life for each family member: husband, Thomas Baker; children, Lauren Rall Miller (Greg), and James William Bollinger, of Troy, N.Y., Katherine Elizabeth Baker (John), of Los Altos, Calif.; grandchildren, Ryan and Darren Miller; and nephews John Rall Jesso (Stacy Sumner) and Todd Robbins Jesso (Tonya). We will celebrate Virginia?s life at 3 p.m., Friday, Jan. 14, at Central Church, 5301 Sardis Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28270. Visitation will follow immediately afterwards in the narthex. Interment will take place at St. Mary?s Cemetery in Troy, N.Y., at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to memorialize Virginia are asked to make donations to Levine & Dickson Hospice House or the Central Church community outreach fund. A special thank you goes to the Central Church staff and members for the many meals, sermon CDs and care throughout Virginia?s illness. Deep appreciation also goes to Dr. Scott Lindblom and Dr. John Symanski, the caring intensive care unit nurses and hospitalists at CMC-Pineville, and the wonderful Levine & Dickson Hospice House staff.