Nancy Ruth (Griffin) Baker

Nancy Ruth (Griffin) Baker was born on July 18,1943, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the cherished only child of Horace “Shorty” Griffin and Ida (Hiner) Griffin. The daughter of an immigrant father from Corydon, England, and a mother of Cherokee descent, Nancy grew up deeply loved and encouraged. Though her parents had limited educational opportunities themselves, they were unwavering in their belief that their daughter’s path would be different. Through determination, creativity, and steadfast faith, they nurtured Nancy’s gifts and proudly watched her graduate with honors from the University of Arkansas in 1965 with a degree in Library Science.

While attending the University of Arkansas, Nancy met the love of her life, George Watson Baker, at Central Baptist Church, where both were active in the Missionary Baptist Student Fellowship (MBSF). Nancy played the organ for services, and George quickly took notice of her grace, talent, and warmth. They married on September 1, 1963, beginning a partnership marked by devotion, resilience, and shared purpose.

In the early years of their marriage, Nancy supported George as he entered the U.S. Army, and they moved to Fort Belvoir Virginia for him to attend Officers Candidate School. They then lived in Fort Lee, Virginia for a year before George served a year-long deployment to Vietnam in 1969. After his return, the couple lived in Fayetteville for about a year and their first child, Sabra, was born. Soon after, they settled in Glenwood, Arkansas, in 1970, where they built a life rooted in family, faith, and service to their community. Together they pursued careers in business and education while raising their family with the same values of hard work, integrity, and compassion that had shaped Nancy’s own upbringing. In 1978, a second child was born to Nancy and George, and they named him John Mark. Nancy and George shared 55 years of marriage before his passing in 2018.

Nancy began teaching at Glenwood Elementary in 1976 and was honored as Teacher of the Year in 1992. She loved her students deeply and treasured the lifelong friendships she formed with colleagues over more than three decades. Her classroom was a place of encouragement, patience, and joy—an extension of her generous heart.

A faithful member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church for over 55 years, Nancy served her church family in countless ways. With her love for music and skilled talent to boot, Nancy played the piano and organ for Bethel for 50 years. In addition, she served in the Women’s Auxiliary, baked communion bread, fed visiting preachers, and stepped in wherever she was needed. Her service was quiet, steady, and wholehearted.

Nancy loved to entertain and open her home to others. She was the quintessential wife and mother, seeing this as her most important calling. She poured love into every holiday, birthday, and ordinary day, creating traditions and memories that her family will forever cherish. She taught her children and grandchildren the importance of faith and the certainty of God’s love through her words, her actions, and her unwavering example.

Nancy delighted in people and treasured her friendships. Whether it was a quick visit with a neighbor or a travel adventure with friends, she was always eager to spend time with others. She also cared for people quietly behind the scenes—offering support, encouragement, and kindness in ways both small and profound.

After several years of living with dementia, which slowly stole so much of her joy, Nancy peacefully slipped from this earth and welcomed into her heavenly home on January 23, 2026.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Horace, and Ida Griffin, and by her beloved husband, George. She is survived by her daughter Sabra (Bryan) Boyd of Liberty, MO; her son John Mark (Nikki) Baker of Glenwood, AR; aunt Doris Hiner of Liberty, MO; brother-in-law Russell P. Baker of Mabelvale, AR; three grandchildren: Jesse (Colton) Bright of Glenwood, AR; Frank (Hayley) Baker of Glenwood, AR; and Luke (Alynna) Baker of Bentonville, AR; as well as three great-grandchildren, Jolie Bright of Glenwood, AR; Corey Baker of Bentonville, AR; and Wesko Baker of Glenwood, AR.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those wishing to express sympathy consider making a donation to Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, designated to support current and future mission work. Donations may be sent to the church’s address at P.O. Box 315, Glenwood, AR, 71943.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the congregation of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, to extended family, to friends who are like family, and to the many community support services that showed such tenderness and care to Nancy in these past few years. A special word of thanks goes to the OK Café ladies—your love, laughter, and shared meals brought her immeasurable joy.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Smith Family Funeral Homes, 209 North 3rd Street, Glenwood, Arkansas (smithfamilycares.com)

Visitation will be held Friday, January 30 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, January 31 at 1:00pm.

These will be held at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 208 Bethel Road, Glenwood, Arkansas.