Patricia L. Baker

Patricia L. Baker, 80, of Conway died Wednesday October 29, 2025 of injuries from an auto accident. Born in Providence, R.I. on January 4, 1945 the first daughter of the late John F. and Alice White, survived by sisters Laurie and Maureen and brother Steven.

She grew up in Warwick, R.I. and attended St. Mary Academy Bay View Catholic School for Girls operated by the Sisters of Mercy. Three years on the debate team endowed her with the ability to explore the pros and cons of issues she faced in her life. After graduation she attended Loyola University of Chicago a Jesuit institution. She completed her degree in English at the University of Rhode Island and a Master’s degree with doctoral work as a reading specialist at the University of Mississippi.

Her teaching career started at St. Kevin Catholic School in Warwick, RI and also included classroom teaching at Ashway School in R.I., Mater Dei Academy in Columbus, Ohio and as a reading specialist with the Pulaski County Special School District. She then devoted 18 years as the principal of St. Theresa Catholic School in Little Rock. She loved being an educator and having the privilege to impact the development of young students, particularly those who needed some special encouragement.

Happily married to Dr. John Baker for 55 years, they have daughter Bonnie Sutton and her husband David and grandchildren John and Mollie, daughter Colleen Joslin and husband Jared and grandchildren Jackson and Lillian all of Conway. AR. She loved going to her grandchildren’s events including swimming, dancing, gymnastics and running. A road trip with her girls was never passed up. Summer at the beach in Florida was her happy place, replete with family, a great beach read and nightly trips to the Blue Mountain Creamery. Decorating the house for the various holidays during the year for family gatherings always made her smile.

Upon her retirement she volunteered at the Pulaski County Humane Society helping to train dogs for adoption. Moving to Conway in 2006, she became actively involved in community organizations. As an English major she loved her 18 years with the monthly Les Bas Blue Book Club and attending meetings of the Shakespeare Club of Conway. As a pianist and lover of music, she was an active volunteer with the Conway Symphony Orchestra Guild. Membership in the Conway P.E.O. organization focused on access to education for women brought her great joy. She also loved the competition of a good bridge game with the Conway Bridge Group.

Her faith though the Catholic Church was a driving force in her life. An Oblate at Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas she attended regular retreats at the monastery devoting a weekend to prayer. She looked forward to the monthly lunch with the St. Joseph Lunch Bunch. She was an incredibly kind and caring person who always tried to do her best because that is what the Lord expected of her every day. Rest in peace Patricia, job well done, a life well lived.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 4, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, College Avenue, Conway at 11 a.m. preceded by the Rosary at 10:30 a. m. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Patricia’s memory to the Faulkner County Humane Society or St. Joseph School Foundation.

Guestbook at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.