Obituary of Jerome Olin "Jerry" Baker

Jerome Olin “Jerry” Baker, 78, husband of Betty Jean Boykin Baker, passed away after an extended illness on April 8, 2024, surrounded by family at his home in Camden, SC. Born on April 11, 1945, in Rembert, SC, Jerry was the son of the late Willie Herbert Baker, Ola Belle Hawkins Baker Boykin and stepfather Ned Johnson Boykin. Jerry was a mechanic at DuPont’s May Plant for 37 years, and the day after retiring he started at Camden Military Academy where he worked alongside his wife Betty for 12 years until they retired together in 2014. Until then, Jerry had been most proud that he had worked every day without a break in employment since his first job at age 13.

A true craftsman at heart, Jerry loved to work with his hands and was known for building things sturdy enough to last. If Jerry Baker built a shelf for you, your house might fall down around it, but that shelf would still be left standing. He was a strong, tireless worker who enjoyed helping people, and most of his friends and family have stories of how he helped them move, renovate a home, or take care of yard work. Jerry was an avid South Carolina Gamecocks fan and had been a season ticket holder who went to every football home game and cheered even during losing seasons. He could identify any car from the ‘50s and ‘60s by the size of their fins, and his absolute favorite was the 1957 Chevy Bel Air. He had a great love for dogs, especially his pups Katie and Casey, and before them, Teddy, Chewey, Smokey, and his best buddy Corky. Over the years, Jerry had served as a church deacon and Sunday school teacher, and he volunteered to preach and lead Bible study at MUSC- Kershaw’s Karesh Wing. He is currently a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Rembert.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 58 years, Betty Jean Boykin Baker; daughters, Bridget Baker and Marie Patterson (Scott); his sister, Betty Caughman (Wofford); and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ray, Edward, John and Bill Baker; and sisters, Willene Gates, Mildred Faulkenberry and Sybil Jackson.

A memorial service will be held at Powers Funeral Home at 12:00pm on Saturday, April 20^th. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service, beginning at 11:00am.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital For Children, www.donate.lovetotherescue.org

The family would like to thank the Amedisys Hospice team, especially Teri Erhardt and Lindsey Howard, who helped Jerry transition through this most difficult time with dignity and grace.