have recently joined the family and stolen their hearts. Richard Bernard and Robinson Clay (named after their grandfathers) are the apples of their grandparent’s eyes! Having raised amazing young women, Chandra is a teacher in Jacksonville and Genese works for Balfour Beatty on Fort Stewart, the Bakers have burned up the interstate between Hinesville and Jacksonville, visiting with and spoiling their grandchildren every chance they get. “That new car is for the grandbabies,” said Henry. When asked why Lily had gotten rid of her blue Expedition (which everyone in the county knows she has driven forever), Henry admitted he’s still driving it but with all of their travels a new car was in order (even if now we don’t recognize her coming down the road!). Any who know the Bakers understand the dynamic duo they represent. A blend of old school and new, they collectively educated our youth in this county for 61 years, Lily at 31 years and Henry with 30 years. They were also avid sports coaches. Having coached high school softball for 6 years and rec league softball for 10 years. They played sports their entire lives, and Henry was recently recognized by Southern University, his alma mater, and inducted into their Baseball Hall of Fame. He attended the university on a football scholarship and later played baseball for the Red Sox’s minor league organization. To this day he still wears a 1965 state championship ring for basketball when Liberty High was the big winner. He also has a baseball conference championship ring that usually occupies a finger too. “For me teaching was about connecting with the heart of the kid,” said Henry. Joking that his favorite part of teaching was retirement, Henry doesn’t fool anyone as he is still extremely active in recreation sports, serving as the Vice President of the Hinesville Officials Association, which is an arduous and time consuming position to ensure officials are scheduled for not only Liberty County games,
but also Claxton, Bryan, Toombs, Long and Fort Stewart leagues. Lily said, “I loved the changes you would see in the children. They would come in one way and leave completely different after interacting with you, learning from you and being in your presence.” This is part of what led her to run for election in 2006 to campaign and win the seat of Liberty County School Board Chair. A position she has held ever since. “I heard the assignment,” Lily admits. During a sermon at their church, Live Oak Church of God, she said she had been looking for a way to give back and get involved again with children after teaching and coaching, and she feels strongly that she was told that her mission was to help in the governance and leadership areas of education in Liberty County. Given her vast experience in the field of education we tend to agree. With all of the things that keep them busy, however, the Bakers still make plenty of time for family and themselves. They love watching movies, fishing with Lily’s mother and traveling (of course!). While the common saying is “youth is wasted on the young,” we find ourselves envying the youthful vitality and innocent spirit apparent in this powerful couple and hope that they have many happy years to come. LCM
Liberty County Magazine
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