Mrs. Deborah Jean Baker was the daughter of the late Kenneth Nickens and Betty Nelson. She was born May 31, 1957, in Nashville, Tennessee, and departed this life on August 7, 2021, at her home in Madison, Tennessee.
Deborah received her education in the Metro Nashville Public School System. She was an Analyst with the State of Tennessee (TDOC) and retired from service with the state in 2015. Deborah accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of the Greater Love Kingdom Building Church in Madison, Tennessee. She was united in holy matrimony to Tommy Lee Baker in August of 1978 and together they raised 4 children, 17 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
Deborah was a bright light of positive energy and was loved dearly by everyone. She never met a stranger and had an open-door policy to her home. You were welcomed with open arms, a glass of sweet tea, a plate of food, and a bed to rest. Whatever was needed she would provide. She loved to cook and was a master in the kitchen.
She was proceeded in death by her parents Kenneth Nickens and Betty Nelson, Her husband of 40 years Tommy Lee Baker, sister Karen Nickens, and grandson Tommy Lamont Baker Jr.
She leaves to cherish her memories: Brother, Steve Nickens (Debra); children, Cheresa Williams (Lewis), Tommy Baker Sr., Gwendolyn Buckner (Bruce), Shavondra Baker, Michelle Baker; brother-in-law Robert Baker; sisters-in-law, Victoria Gibson, Emma Richardson, Addie Spencer (Robert), and Waddie Baker; grandchildren, Billy, Shalisa, and Marquez Bailey, Ayana and Cameron Williams, Jasmine, Mark, Justin, and Monica Cockrell, Leslie, Xyion, De’Yona, D’Yon, Dey’Zsha, and Bella Baker, Tionna Jordan, Aniyah Tucker, Tiffany Jones (Trae), Christopher Clemons; Devoted nephew and sidekick, Johnathon Nickens; niece, Shakita McFarland; Dear friend and sister Carla “Vet” Hamlett; Goddaughter Jackie Baker; lifelong friend, Tina McFarland; 13 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished relatives and friends.
Visitation will be at Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home, 2707 Gallatin Rd., in Nashville, Tennessee on Friday, August 13, 2021, from 4:00 pm-8 pm. Funeral Service Saturday, August 14, 2021, at 1:00 pm at Greater Love Kingdom Building Church, 320 East Campbell Rd. in Madison, Tennessee. Rev. Anthony Waggoner Officiant & Eulogist. Interment immediately following the Service at Greenwood North Cemetery in Nashville, Tennessee.
