Leah Marie Baker

Leah Marie Baker was to those that loved her a complex prism of so many beautiful facets. She was a beloved daughter, a loving mother, a granddaughter, a cousin, a niece, a friend as well as a talented musician, and an animal lover. Like a prism, she radiated light when surrounded by the people that she loved.

Too often, the light that passes through a prism is fleeting. It spreads its rainbowed splendor in a few moments and then passes leaving the world with a little less beauty. Leah was tragically called home to heaven on Saturday, April 11, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Leah was born on a crisp October day in 1990 to her parents, Robert and Charity (Harder) Baker, in Kennesaw, Georgia. She spent her early life in Georgia, surrounded by her siblings, cousins and extended family. She exceled in school and became a talented gymnast. Her father taught the basics of guitar playing and instilled a lifelong love of music that was as varied as Leah was. Whether it was a mellow 1960’s ballad or a jarring Ska single, Leah often expressed herself best through music and lyrics. As a young teen, the family relocated to Florida. Leah used her gymnastic talent to shine as a Bloomingdale High School cheerleader while maintaining a straight A average in school. The unexpected death of her father in 2006 left Leah seeking a light to guide her path. But Leah was as determined as she was compassionate, and life’s tragedies did not hold her back from accomplishing her dreams. She persevered through unsteady waters to a career in Massage Therapy. She became a vibrant young mother to her daughter, Marley, whom Leah named after one of her favorite musicians, Bob Marley. Leah often battled the gloom that lurked hoping to extinguish her inner light. She struggled to make sense of a world that made no sense to her artist’s soul. Her consistent faith in Christ was the flame that guided her through when the world was at its darkest. A lifelong student of the Word, Leah spent her final days studying the book of Isaiah, chapters 41 and 42.

Leah is survived by her cherished daughter, Marley, who shares her mother’s beautiful smile. Her mother, Charity Baker, who has spent her life advocating for Leah and will continue the battle to claim justice in her passing. Her sister, Rachel, and her younger brother, Jared. Her maternal grandfather, David McClure and his family. Her maternal grandparents, John and Shirley Hancock. Her paternal grandparents, Nathan and Patricia Woosley. Leah is also mourned by many Aunts, Uncles, cousins and friends that will be forever changed by her loss. Leah will join her father, Robert Baker and her uncle, Stephen Baker in heaven.

A graveside service will be held at Jacksonville Memory Gardens at 111 Blanding Blvd in Orange Park, Florida on Monday, May 4,2020 at 2:00 pm. In response to the pandemic, the service will be livestreamed from her mother’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/charity.baker.37 . Dr. Tim McDaniel will officiate.

A Go-Fund Me has been created to allay expenses and create a trust for Marley Baker. Please considering donating in lieu of flowers at https://www.gofundme.com/f/leah-baker-funeral-fundraiser?utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR1FWRlK5mQtG4MrtedYbTMGyIt_OazUvMa6LnoYlwM4ijG62eqoWNqUeAo

“Look at how a single candle can defy and define the darkness.”- Anne FrankLeah