Celebration of Life Program for Corey Baker

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF

Corey

BAKER FEBRUARY 3, 1970 - JUNE 23, 2025

Wednesday, July 2, 2025 10:00 AM Gethsemane Baptist Church 5405 Roanoke Avenue, Newport News, VA 23605 GethsemaneBaptist.org Pastor D. Shawrod Riddick II Officiating

ORDER OF WORSHIP Prelude…………………..……………………… Musician Processional…………......………. Clergy, Family, & Friends Scripture Old Testament.........................................................................................Minister New Testament..............................................................Pastor James T. Elam Prayer of Comfort.........................................................Pastor James T. Elam Musical Selection ………………………………..............Pastor James T. Elam Words of Reflection ……………...............…................………Derrick Cooper Jonathan Edwards Letitia Ward Kelly Grier Fannie Batts Anne Cooper Acknowledgments.................................................GBC Minister of Records Silent Reading of the Obituary Photo Montage Selection ……………………………………….....…........GBC Celebration Choir Eulogy …………….………………............…......Pastor D. Shawrod Riddick II Recessional ………………...............………........…. Clergy, Family, & Family

Corey BAKER

The Life of

Corey Baker was born on February 3, 1970, in Hampton, Virginia, to Mr. and Mrs. Victor Baker Jr. He was the son of a loving family and the heartbeat of every room he entered. On June 23, 2025, Corey transitioned from this life, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering generosity.

A proud graduate of Hampton High School, Corey went on to dedicate himself to a life of hard work and service. He worked at the Newport News Shipyard and Quillen Quality Landscaping before relocating to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he became a valued employee at Inter-Continental Gear.

Corey was the beloved brother of Vernon Baker (Martina), Victor Baker III, Jacqueline Baker, and Sharon Jones (Kelvin). He was a devoted father to Marcus Stith and Jazmyn Williamson, and a proud grandfather to Aidyn and Ariel Wilson. His love extended deeply to his nieces and nephews: Kayla and Kaiya Baker, Eugene and Kim Baker (residing in Germany); his great-nephews Joel Baker, Tyler Baker, and Jacyn Stewart; and his great-nieces Adori Beamon and Mayla Baker. He was preceded in death by his father, Victor Baker Jr., whom he cherished.

Corey’s love for his family and friends knew no bounds. He was always ready with a helping hand, a listening ear, or a perfectly timed joke. Whether it was a neighbor in need, a friend going through a rough patch, or a complete stranger, Corey never hesitated to step in with kindness and a contagious smile. His laughter could fill a room, and his warmth left a lasting imprint on everyone he met.

He shared an unbreakable bond with two of his closest friends, Derrick “Coop” Cooper and Jonathan “Boogie” Edwards, who stood by his side from beginning to end— showing a level of loyalty and love that words could never fully capture. Alongside them, Corey was surrounded by an enormous circle of family and friends who were always loved and deeply appreciated.

To know Corey was to know joy. His generous spirit, comedic charm, and caring nature made him unforgettable. He lived life fully, loved deeply, and left this world better than he found it.

As Corey would always say: “ALRIGHT, I’M GONE.” And though he is gone from our sight, he will forever live on in our hearts.

I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, to play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found that peace at the end of the day.

If my parting has left a void, Then fi ll it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, yes, these things too I will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My Life’s been full, I savoured much, Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.

By: Janice M. Fair-Salters

PALLBEARERS Derrick Cooper Gerard Taswell Gary Philpot Terrazzo “ShyBoy” Wiggins Jonathan “Boogie” Edwards Shawn Rainey

FLORAL BEARERS Family and Friends

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We, the family of the late Corey Eugene Baker, wish to express our deepest gratitude for the kindness, loving words, compassion, cards, monetary gifts, visits and prayers extended to us during this unimaginable difficult time. May the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.