Gwendolyn M. (Kone Marshall) Baker

Gwendolyn ?Gwen? was born to the late Althea and Henry Kone, Sr., in Washington, D.C., on February 25, 1942. She was the second of two children born of this union. Gwen was educated in the D.C. Public Schools and was a graduate of Spingarn Senior High School. Gwen joined the Federal Government in 1960 where she became a civil servant for nearly 38 years. She married the late Leonard Marshall at an early age and one son, Darin Marshall, was from this union. A few years later, she met her soul mate James Baker (Jim, Jimmy) and the two share 50 years together, 44 were in holy matrimony and one son, Dion Baker was from this union. A major portion of her career was spent at the U.S. Department of Transportation where she rose through the ranks to become an international transportation specialist and received numerous awards and met lots of influential people from all over the world. She retired in January 1997. Gwen enjoyed retirement and one of the first things on her agenda was to visit relatives she had never seen. When Jim retired, the two of them were always on the go and covered almost every state on the east coast. In 2009, Gwen was diagnosed with a rare cancer. She did well for four years until scans showed signs of a return. Gwen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She enjoyed church, family gatherings, walking, short writing, fellowshipping, and traveling. She was elated when her letter was published in McCall magazine and several of her e-mails were read on the evening news. She loved people and made friends easily. Gwen loved the Lord and realized her blessings. She continuously reminded her children that blessings come through faith; and if you don?t have faith you cannot receive your blessings. Her Christian life included serving as secretary on two Trustee Boards, Assistant Church Clerk, Women?s Missions, Reclamation Ministry, Finance, and other committees. She was a faithful member of Grace United Methodist Church of Fort Washington. A life we loved so much came to a close on Sunday, July 26, 2015 when Gwendolyn Baker answered the Master?s call. Her family will not only miss her, but those ?Holiday Dinners? will always be remembered with each one having their own specialty. To mourn her passing and cherish her memory, her devoted husband James Baker; two sons Darin Marshall and Dion Baker; two granddaughters Abriana and Alexis Marshall; one grandson Austin Marshall; one brother Henry Kone; and (reunited after 50 years) Wilbur Haynes; one sister-in-law Patricia Kone; step mother Minnie Kone; two step brothers Van (Martha) Hill, Herbert Hill and one step sister Pat Johnson; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, other relatives and friends. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her!

Gwendolyn M. (Kone Marshall) Baker

February 25, 1942 - July 26, 2015