The life of Theresa P. Baker, one of God’s most beloved children, began March 1, 1934 in Bryan County, Georgia. She entered into eternal rest on March 30, 2025 at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, GA. She was the daughter of the late Mr. Andrew Lee Baker and the late Mrs. Mabel Bacon Baker.
Sis. Theresa accepted a devoted and loving friend, Leaven McKinnon, as her husband. To this union one daughter was born, Beverly. As God would have it, Leaven preceded her in death. So later in life, she joined in Holy matrimony with Lonnie Swinson who also preceded her in death.
Sis. Theresa was educated in the Evans County School System in Claxton, Georgia, where she graduated Salutatorian of her senior class from Evans County High School.
Early on, she gave her life to Christ at Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, Groveland, Georgia. She remained a faithful member until her death. At Jerusalem, she regularly attended church and Sunday School. She was a member of the Usher Board, Nurse Aide, Mission Ministry, Senior Citizen Ministry and for years performed culinary duties until her health failed.
She was a long-time member of the Jolly Twelve Club.
Sis. Theresa, a very good cook, was always willing to serve whether it was at a family gathering, a funeral repast, or the Tattnall Association Service; she was in the kitchen/serving line. After working at C&C Farms and Claxton Manufacturing, she retired from the Regional Youth Detention Center.
Sis. Swinson was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, five brothers, and four sisters. She leaves the following behind to cherish many fond memories: her daughter, Beverly (Dennis) Mikel of Killeen, Texas; three granddaughters: Kalyna (Quincy) Floyd of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Deidra (Nathaniel) Westly of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and Andrea Mikell of Killeen, Texas; eight great-grandchildren: Andrevius (Alyssa), Keyshon, Zaria, Daja, Janiyah, Bryson, Eli and Amya; two great-great grandchildren: Avery and Addison; a very dedicated caregiver, Sandra Mincey Collins; a close friend-cousin Nita Bell Baker; helpful and dedicated cousins, Barry and Barbara Baker; plus a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.