Phyllis Anne (Smith) Baker

A Tribute to Our Mom, Phyllis Anne Smith Baker

There are some people whose love becomes the foundation of a family. For us, that person was our mother, Phyllis Anne Smith Baker.

On May 31, 2026, we said goodbye to our mom, but we will never say goodbye to the love, laughter, and memories she gave us. Born on December 21, 1946, and raised in Buford, Georgia, Mom spent her life caring for others and showing us what unconditional love looks like.

Many people knew her as a nurse, and she was proud of her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She spent years caring for people when they needed it most, offering not only medical care but also kindness, compassion, and comfort. Taking care of others wasn't just what she did—it was who she was.

Mom had a beautiful gift for music. Anyone who heard her play the piano knows how special it was. Gospel music filled her home and her heart, and through her music she shared her faith, her joy, and her love with those around her. Some of our most treasured memories are hearing her sit down at the piano and bring a room to life.

She also had a soft spot for animals, especially the outdoor cats she cared for so faithfully. She never stopped looking after the creatures that found their way to her, and that gentle compassion reflected the kind of person she was every day.

But more than anything, Mom loved her family.

She was our biggest supporter, our safe place, and the person we could always count on. No matter what life brought, we knew we could call Mom. She celebrated our successes, carried us through our struggles, and loved us without conditions. The older we got, the more we realized what a remarkable gift that was.

She leaves behind her son, Christopher Howington and his wife, Heather, and her daughter, Brandi Bankston and her husband, Bryan. She was also a proud grandmother to Zachary Howington and his wife, Amy; Tyler Howington; Jared Mathews; and Ethan Mathews.

Mom adored her grandchildren. She loved hearing about their lives, celebrating their accomplishments, and simply spending time with them. They brought her endless joy and gave her countless reasons to smile.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Victor Baker; her brother, Timothy Smith; her father, Donald Smith; and her mother, Ruby Forrester Smith Young.

One thing everyone remembers about Mom is her sense of humor. She loved to laugh, loved to tease, and had a way of making even ordinary moments fun. Her laughter was contagious. Even during difficult times, she could find a reason to smile and help others do the same.

Today, our hearts are broken because we will miss her so much. We will miss her voice on the phone. We will miss hearing her laugh. We will miss her piano music. We will miss the comfort of knowing she was just a call away.

But we are so grateful.

Grateful that she was our mother.

Grateful for every lesson she taught us.

Grateful for every sacrifice she made.

Grateful for every hug, every prayer, every laugh, and every memory.

The love of a mother does not end when she leaves this world. It lives on in the hearts of her children, her grandchildren, and everyone whose life she touched.

Mom, thank you for loving us so well.

We will carry you with us always.

Until we meet again, we love you.

Forever.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, June 5, 2026 at Memorial Park South Chapel with interment following at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens. Rev. Gabriella Cahaley will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Memorial Park South Funeral Home.

Memorial Park South Funeral Home, 4121 Falcon Pkwy Flowery Branch, GA 30524 is in charge of arrangements. Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.

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