DeAnn Arlene Bray Baker, 85, went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 8th, 2023.  She passed away at her home in Woodstock, Georgia, surrounded by her loving family.  DeAnn was born on September 6th, 1938 in Warren, Ohio, the daughter of Clifford and Helen Hegel Bray.  She graduated from Mineral Ridge High School in June, 1956.  Following high school, DeAnn attended Trumbull Memorial School of Nursing, where she graduated in 1959.  She married the love of her life and husband of 64 years, Keith Baker, on August 8th, 1959, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Niles, Ohio.  DeAnn passed away on their 64th wedding anniversary.

After living a short while in Gainesville, Florida and Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1971 DeAnn moved with her family to Dunwoody, Georgia, where they lived for 30 years. She was very involved in her children's lives, taking them to music and swimming lessons, sports, and all the activities they were involved in.  She and Keith were founding members of Dunwoody Community Church, where DeAnn served in the women's and children's ministries, sang in the choir, and played piano and organ.  She worked part time as a nurse in various capacities during her 30 years in Atlanta, starting out at Northside Hospital, then moving into the field of Occupational health nursing.  She worked for companies such as Westinghouse, Georgia Pacific, General Motors and Six Flags over Georgia before becoming permanently employed at Delta Airlines in 1982.  She continued with her education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. Francis College in 1997.

In 2002, DeAnn retired with her husband Keith to Melbourne Beach, Florida. She loved to spend time on the beach collecting shells, and most of all loved entertaining all of the children, grandchildren and family who came to visit.  DeAnn loved to cook, and enjoyed being part of the neighborhood Gourmet Club. She and Keith were active members at Chapel by the Sea, where DeAnn served in the women's ministry, sang in the choir and played hand bells. DeAnn also served as a Parish Nurse during those years, visiting and giving comfort to those in need. In 2017, Keith and DeAnn moved back to Georgia, settling in the area of Woodstock.  Since then, they have been very active at Canton Bible Church, as well as keeping up with her 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and one on the way.

DeAnn is survived by her husband Keith Baker of 64 years, and two brothers: Richard Bray (Jill) of Brookfield, Ohio, and Alan Bray (Patricia) of Niles, Ohio.  She has three children: Wendy Baker, of Clearwater, Florida, Kathy Werkheiser (Bill) of Glennville, Georgia, and Doug Baker (Karen) of Canton, Georgia.  She is the proud grandmother of eight grandchildren: Brett Werkheiser (Brittany), Courtney Werkheiser Farist (Owen), Rebecca Zumbro Benson (Ryan), Rachel Baker Eller (Sam), Bradley Zumbro, Russell Werkheiser, Ashley Werkheiser Colwell (Chase), and Henry Baker. DeAnn also has 10 great-grandchildren: Kailer, Ava, J.R., Shanelle, and Rylan Werkheiser, Baker and Molly Farist, Jane and Josephine Eller, and Ezra Colwell.

Visiting Hours for DeAnn will be from 5:00-8:00 pm on Friday, August 11th at Lakeside Funeral Home in Woodstock, Georgia.  The funeral will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday, August 12th at the same location.  DeAnn will be interred at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton on Monday, August 14th, at 9:30 am.