In Loving Memory of Brenda “Beba” Joyce Baker

Brenda Joyce Baker, lovingly known as “Beba,” was born on July 9, 1945, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At a young age, Brenda moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where she grew up in the Leeds community and built a beautiful life surrounded by family, love, and cherished memories.

Brenda was educated in the Kansas City, Missouri Public Schools and graduated from Central High School in 1963. After high school, she attended Kansas City Business College.

Brenda was also a talented seamstress with an eye for fashion and style. She lovingly made her own clothes before going out with her sister and always carried herself with beauty, grace, and elegance.

In 1967, Brenda became engaged to Robert E. Baker, and the two later married. Their love and commitment to one another endured for more than 50 years. Together, Brenda and Robert built a life filled with hard work, family, entrepreneurship, laughter, and countless treasured memories.

Throughout the years, Brenda and Robert owned and operated several businesses and ventures, including Mo Kan Limo, Starlight Bed and Breakfast, a convenience store, dump trucks, and a laundromat. Brenda was a strong, hardworking, and dedicated woman who was employed by Western Electric for more than 25 years before retiring.

After retirement, Brenda enjoyed the things that brought her the most joy. She loved listening to R&B, blues, and jazz, traveling, and, above all, spending time with the people she loved. Family gatherings held a special place in her heart. She treasured celebrating Thanksgiving, Easter, Halloween, and the many other occasions that brought her family together.

Brenda was a God-fearing woman whose faith remained an important part of her life. She was raised in the Baptist faith and attended Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Later in life, she became Catholic and worshipped at St. Monica Catholic Church. Through every season of life, her faith remained a source of strength.

In 2020, Brenda was diagnosed with myeloma and heart failure. She fought a long and courageous battle with both illnesses, demonstrating the same strength, resilience, and determination that defined her throughout her life. Through it all, Brenda never stopped being a fighter.

Brenda was preceded in death by Robert Baker, Sammie Smith, Evelyn Smith, Lois Mitchell, Dave Hardy, Robin Parker, Sammie K. Smith, Barbara Johnson, Michael Mitchell, David Hardy, Eddie Hardy, and Marylin Hardy.

Brenda leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughter, Kimberly Jackson; her sisters and brothers, Diane Miller, Sandra Colbert, Tut Hardy, Davada Hardy, Leonard Hardy, Rozina Hardy, Jackie Hardy, Jack Hardy, Sharon Hardy, Karen Hardy, Phillip Hardy, Cindy Hardy, Rosemary Hardy, Mark Hardy, and Clifford Hardy.

Her precious memory will also live on through her grandchildren, Javaunce Parker, Dion Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Corey Jackson, Ryan Allen, Jasmine Jackson, Marlena Jackson, and Brandon Jackson; along with her 13 great-grandchildren, who will carry her love and legacy into generations to come.

She also leaves to cherish her memory her special friend, Shanna Strawn; Chester Roberts; as well as cousins, extended family, and countless friends whose lives were touched by her presence.

Brenda was a woman who loved deeply, worked hard, stood strong, and cherished her family. She will be remembered for her laughter, her strength, her unmistakable style, her faith, and the love she gave so freely to those around her.

Though our hearts are heavy with her passing, we find comfort in knowing that her love will continue through every story told, every family gathering, every song that reminds us of her, and every precious memory she left behind.

Rest peacefully, Beba. Your work here is done. Your love remains, your legacy lives on, and you will forever be loved.