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In memory of
Annette A. Baker
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Annette's obituary
Although she was soft spoken and always humble, her talent, determination, wisdom and kind heart spoke volumes and knew no boundaries. Anyone who had the good fortune of knowing her or spending even a moment in her presence, knew she had a knack for creating elegant experiences and treating others like royalty — whether it was through her exquisite cooking, her expert hands creating a coveted hairstyle, or her warm smile making sure you felt welcomed into her home and heart. She never lost her southern charm or forgot the faith in God that sustained her for 93 years.
Annette Armenia Boykin was born on September 27, 1926 to Annie Blue Boykin (Carthage, N.C.) and Rev. Paul Boykin (Camden, S.C.). She was a beloved sister to siblings Paul, Marie and Harriet. Annette attended Pinckney High School in Carthage, N.C. and continued her education at Fayetteville State Teachers College in Fayetteville, N.C. Not one to rest on her laurels, she left her familiar surroundings and followed her courageous heart, leading her to the Big Apple — New York City. Here, she met and married Samuel L. Baker (d. 2017) and had two children, Cecelia and Donald. She and Samuel parted ways, but remained united in their devotion to their two lovely children and respect for one another.
While being a doting mother, she remained in the workforce continuing to pursue many of her dreams while encouraging her children to do the same. Annette was an outstanding educator and a successful entrepreneur — doing everything she could to dismantle society’s false perceptions of what women of color could achieve. She began her career in the early 1950s as a daycare teacher, and diligently continued making a difference in the lives of young people for 30-plus years until her retirement. She did all of this while owning and operating the K&B Beauty Salon and Barbershop in East Harlem. Her business became a safe haven for many of society’s forgotten — those just returning home from prison, career novices in need of someone to give them a chance, and even those struggling to overcome the devastation of substance abuse. If you were willing to try, Annette was willing to give you an opportunity. She worked tirelessly, especially when it came to championing her children. She not only made sure they both graduated from college, but they did so debt-free, thanks to her taking on a third job cleaning doctors’ offices downtown on Park Avenue.
At age 66, Annette turned her sights toward her own education. She completed her undergraduate degree, and earned her Master’s in Education from The City College of New York. Simply put: Once she made a decision to achieve something, she could not be stopped. She was remarkable. She touched the lives of many and still found time to play an integral role in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren — taking a special hand in helping to raise both her grandson and his son, her great-grandson.
All of these accomplishments would be enough to exhaust anyone, but not Annette. She pressed on with a zest for life that led her to travel extensively going to visit many of the world’s most famous attractions - with two of her favorites being France’s Eiffel Tower and St. Peter’s Basilica in Italy, often accompanied by her sister, Marie (d. 2012), her niece, Maria and dear friends Quida Billups, Marsha Bullock as well as Jimmy and Dot Freeman- her close friends who passed away some years ago.
No matter how busy Annette was taking care of those she loved, she always made time for worship. She was an active member of the St. Cecilia & Holy Agony Catholic Church for 22 years. She attended weekly services and cooked her delicious meals for choir members and churchgoers alike. The day before she passed, she recited the 23rd Psalm with her granddaughter with the enthusiasm of someone who knew there would soon be no more suffering.
Annette will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. Her spirit of generosity, bonding-in-the-moment humor, faith in God and commitment to education will live on in the lives of all she touched — every family member, every friend, every student, every client, every passerby. She left her loving fingerprint of faith, family, love and perseverance in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will continue to be a living demonstration of her remarkable legacy. Job well done, Miss Ann. May you receive many rewards in heaven. We will love, appreciate, and remember you forever.
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