Valda Jean Baker

Valda Jean Baker, 89, of Amarillo, TX peacefully passed to her eternal home on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Valda was raised on a small family farm outside of Perryton, TX where she told of gathering eggs from pesky hens and riding the school bus, first one on, last one off. She grew up with an older brother in a family she loved fiercely.

Valda attended school in Perryton where she excelled. She was crowned Miss Wheatheart in 1953. It was during a high school play practice that she met the love of her life, Bobby Baker. They were married on February 20, 1955 at the First Baptist Church in Perryton.

Valda and Bobby had 3 children. The family moved to Sunray, TX in 1969 where they owned and operated a grocery business. It proved to be successful for 36 years due to the daily efforts of Valda, Bob, and very often the kids.

Valda was a christian mother. She was a Sunday school teacher and a pianist for her church in Perryton when her family was young. She was a proud grandparent and great-grandparent to 7, watching and cheering at every event she could attend.

Valda and Bobby were members of South Georgia Baptist Church in Amarillo. They loved their church family and especially enjoyed Sonshiners, now known as S.A.L.T. Valda lived at Sycamore Assisted Living for her final 3 years. Very special thanks to the nurses and staff who so lovingly cared for her each day. Thanks so much to BSA Hospice for their amazing care as well.

Valda is survived by her daughter, Kim Hunnicutt (Alan) of Amarillo, TX; son, Joe Baker (Amy) of White Plains, NY; grandchildren, Meredith Gilbert (Brian) of Amarillo, TX, Brian Hunnicutt (Stephanie) of Richardson, TX, Emily Beall (James) of Sleepy Hollow, NY, and Candace Zimmer (Jacob) of Reston, VA; as well as great-grandchildren, Grady, Harper, Carter, Quinn, Margo, Ford, and Blair.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bobby; daughter, Candace Baker Wheeler; and son-in-law, Chuck Wheeler.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at South Georgia Baptist Church. Graveside service will follow at 2:00 PM, in Brown Cemetery in Sunray, TX. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.