Blanche Olevia Dukes Baker, 89, widow of Donnie Paschal Baker Sr., died Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015, at her home.
Born in Clarendon County, she was a daughter of the late Sam Curry Dukes and Susan Carolyn “Carrie” Evans Dukes. Mrs. Baker was a member of Grace Baptist Church. She retired from Campbell’s Soup Co.
Survivors include four sons, Donnie P. Baker, Jr. (Brenda), Herbert Baker, Wayne Baker, and Mark Baker all of Sumter; two daughters, Sara B. Fritsche and Shelby “Rikki” B. Barnes both of Sumter; three brothers, Curry Dukes (Mary Ellen) of Sumter, Harold Dukes (Naomi) of Manning, and Eugene Dukes (Doris) of Hartsville; ten grandchildren; and seventeen great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her brother, J.S. Dukes; and sister, Julia Helen Rabon.
Funeral services for Blanche Olevia Dukes Baker will be held 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, 2015, in the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home chapel, with the Rev. Dr. James Chandler, the Rev. Dr. Steve Williams and the Rev. Charles Ahtonen officiating. Burial will be in the Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery.
Donnie P. “Trey” Baker, III, Trace Teal, Kevin Lynn, Tytus Lynn, Nathan Stark, and Glenn Teal will serve as pallbearers.
The family of Blanche Olevia Dukes Baker was held Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home, and other times at the home, 1865 Paschal Lane.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Tuomey Hospice and Brenda McLeod for the tender, loving care given to Blanche in her final days.
Memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Church, 219 West Calhoun St., Sumter, SC 29150.
Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements for Blanche Olevia Dukes Baker.
