Mae Jones Baker

Mae Baker was born to Livell “Honey” Day Jones, and Arthur Jones on February 12 of 1933, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She grew up in the “Lafitte Projects” in New Orleans, and spent summers at her Grandparents house in Hattiesburg Mississippi.  From an early age, Mae spent many evenings and weekends learning the trades from her Great-Aunt, “Mother” Mada Porter Edwards, who owned and operated one of Louisiana's first all female run, African American owned businesses, Poro’s Beauty College and Boarding School.  It was where Mae tended to the students' living arrangement needs, while learning the techniques of black hair care, cosmetology, and millinery skills, and as she said, “It’s where I learned to be a lady”.

She left New Orleans for college to attend San Francisco State College, where she also attended The Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples.  It was through that association that she was introduced to and wed her husband of 44 years, James P. Baker, of Bourbon, Indiana and who attended Stanford University.  They first settled down in Pacifica, Calif, where their first two children were born, Joan Baker and Kevin Baker, and finally settled in San Rafael, California, where sons Michael and Stanley were born. Together they raised four children in San Rafael. Mae worked as a teacher's assistant at the Bahia Vista Elementary School, and was a celebrated volunteer at the Bargain Box Sunny Hills Charity Store.

Mae later retired in the Sacramento area where she participated in the Charities of American Cancer Society Discovery Shop, and was active with her local Red Hat Society. Mae cultivated many good friends, sharing casino trips, and many social outings with her Pokeno card playing group.

Mae is survived by her children, Joan Baker (Rudy Gaskins) of New York City, Kevin Baker (Maya Baker) of San Francisco, Michael Baker (Kelli Baker) of Elk Grove, California, and Stanley Baker of San Rafael, California.  Mae is also survived by her four grandchildren, Ryan and Sean Baker of Elk Grove, Calif., and Solange and Rhone Baker of San Francisco.  Numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews also feel her loss. Mae will be greatly missed by all of her loved ones.

Mae’s family would also like to express their highest gratitude to her home away from home, The Meadows Senior Living, and most especially, the staff within “the Atrium”,  the Memory Care Staff, who loved Mae, treating her with dignity, respect, and became a member of Mae’s extended family. 

A private service will be held by her family on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.