RACHEL MARIE BAKER, daughter of Norman Ford and Mary L. Ford, was born on January 25, 1937, in Prospect, Virginia. She was called home on November 22, 2025.

She completed her early education in the Prince Edward County School System, where she developed a strong foundation rooted in discipline, hard work, and family values.

In the mid-1950s, Rachel moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where she built a life, raised her family, and formed lasting relationships within the community. She remained in Baltimore for several decades before returning home to Prospect, Virginia, in 1990. It was during this time, after returning to Prospect, that Rachel dedicated her life to the Jehovah's Witness faith-an important and meaningful commitment that shaped her walk of life from that point forward.

Upon her return to Virginia, Rachel started working at Southside Community Hospital as the lead cook in the hospital kitchen, a role she took great pride in. Her skill, dedication, and loving spirit filled not only the meals she prepared but also the hearts of those she served alongside.

In the early 2000s, Rachel made a meaningful difference in her community by helping to establish Meals on Wheels in Farmville, Virginia. Her dedication to service and her desire to ensure that seniors and vulnerable residents received warm meals and compassionate care became one of her most proud accomplishments. Her work has touched many lives and continues to benefit the community today.

Rachel was known for her warmth, resilience, and unwavering love for her family. She had an extraordinary gift for making those around her feel welcome, cared for, and supported. Whether offering a listening ear, preparing a comforting meal, or sharing words of faith and encouragement, she touched countless hearts with her kindness.

She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life-spending time with loved ones, sharing stories, and making memories that her family will treasure for generations. Her quiet strength, gentle nature, and deep dedication to her family left a mark that will continue to live on through everyone who knew and loved her.

Rachel's life was one defined by faith, love, and perseverance. Her teachings, her compassion, and her unwavering spirit will forever remain a guiding light to her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Norman Ford and Mary L. Ford; her siblings Lillian Walker, Rosa Lee-Dungee, and Gloria Morton; her children Willard Marshall (Ford), Rosemary Johnson, Boyce Goode, and Robert Goode; and her grandchildren Jawan Goode, Jamere Johnson, Adara Goode, Jarron Johnson, and Lonnie Harvey.

Rachel's memory will be lovingly cherished by her daughters, Tina, Shayne, and Shawn, and her son, Raymond; daughters-in-law, Shirley Marshall and Rosa Goode; her sisters, Dorothy Pennix and Betty Watkins; her brother, William Ford; and her sister-in-law, Sylvia. She is also dearly remembered by her 18 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous relatives and friends who loved her deeply.