Sharon Ann Baker

Sharon Ann Baker of Farmville, VA passed away on June 19, 2026. She is survived by her son Trent Baker and daughter Melissa Holt.

Sharon Ann Baker (Gum), lovingly known as “Ma Baker” to generations of children, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026, at the age of 82 in Farmville VA.

Born on June 5, 1944, in Baltimore MD, Sharon was the daughter of the late Gerald Gene Gum Sr. and Helen Colene Gum. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Jerry W. Baker, and her brothers, Gerald Gene Gum Jr. (Liz) and Terry Alan Gum (Deb).

Sharon devoted more than 30 years of service to the Winchester Public School System, working at both Daniel Morgan Middle School and Frederick Douglass Elementary School as a kitchen manager.

Long before many knew her as Mrs. Baker, she had become “Ma Baker” to a handful of children she loved dearly. What began as a nickname given by a few children she welcomed into her heart soon spread to dozens more. Sharon had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel like family. Her door was always open, a game was always waiting to be played, and something good cooking in the kitchen. Over the years, generations of children came to know and love her as “Ma Baker,” a title she wore with pride and one that reflected the love she freely gave to everyone around her.

She is survived by her daughter Melissa Dawn Hott of Winchester, Virginia; her son, Trent A. Baker and wife Nancy of Appomattox, Virginia; her cherished grandchildren: Ryan, Cody, Brent, Riley, Tristan, Lucas, Kieran, Maryhelen, Jackson, Lochlan, and Cadie; devoted sisters-in-law Liz Gum of New Market, VA and Deb Gum of Plano, TX; three nephews and a niece.

Sharon’s greatest joy was her family and her friends who became family. She leaves behind a legacy of love and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Internment July 11th at 10 am at Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery, New Market VA. Reception to follow.

May she rest in peace.