Rev. Gloria Ann Baker was born on July 19, 1949 in Gifford, South Carolina to the Late Deacon Chester Williams and the late missionary Mellef D. Williams, and was the oldest of six children.
Her education started in Gifford, South Carolina and continued when she relocated with her parents From Gifford, South Carolina to Newark New Jersey where she graduated from central high school with honors.
Gloria was united in marriage to the late Mario E. Baker, and together they became the first couple married at Mount Olivet Baptist Church, where Gloria remained a dedicated member for over six decades. She was ordained as a minister, breaking barriers as the first female to receive such recognition at Mount Olivet Baptist Church under Pastor Andre’ W. Milteer.
Rev. Baker’s passion for youth and education led her to a fulfilling career in Early Childhood Education spanning over 45 years. She served as Director at several daycares across Essex County, New Jersey, and even after retirement, she continued her mission at the Newark Muslim Learning Center alongside Mary Muhammad, sharing a common dedication to educating the community's youth.
Gloria's academic achievements were numerous, including earning her BA in General Studies from Columbia Union College, BA in Religious Studies from Briggs University, Michigan, BA in Psychology and Counseling from Pillar College in NJ, and MA in Sociology, Psychology, and Counseling from Briggs University, Michigan.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Gloria cherished children, enjoyed travel, singing, dance, decor, fashion, and cherished moments with her grandchildren.
On April 22, 2024, Rev. Gloria Ann Baker peacefully entered eternal rest at Saint Barnabas Hospital in Livingston, New Jersey. She was preceded in death by her parents, Deacon Chester and Missionary Mellef D. Williams, her husband Mario E. Baker, her brothers Chester Jr., Timothy, and Raymond Williams, her son-in-law Kendel (Vonzia) Nelson, and sister-in-law Juanita Baker.
Rev. Gloria Baker is survived by her daughter Vonzea Sharell Nelson, son Mario T. Baker, seven grandchildren, Shaquan Welch, Shatuan Baker, Najah Nelson, Saniyah, Kendel Jr., Sadiq, and Amirah, her sister Patricia Ann (Derrick) Cotman, brother Rev. Wayne L. (Paula) Williams, four aunties Hazel Ishmael, Dora Ginn, and Rosa More, Mary Famularo, and uncle Frank (Nora) Moreland, along with a host of other relatives and friends who will continue to cherish her memory and legacy.
