Deaconess Lugenia P. Baker

Deaconess Lugenia P. Floyd Baker, peacefully passed from labor to reward on August 23, 2025, in the care of St. Luke’s Hospice House staff at the age of 90 surrounded by her loving family.

Lugenia was born on January 21, 1935, in Washington, Pitt County, North Carolina, to Jessie James Floyd and Lillian Christine Little. She was one of ten siblings. Her memory is honored by her siblings: William – deceased (Nola), James – deceased (Eleanor), Evelyn (Clifton-deceased), Lillian - deceased (Clarence), Jessie – deceased (Pat), Carlton (Martha), Doris, Marilyn (Millard), and Vivian (Wendell).

Lugenia was a proud graduate of W.H. Robinson High School in Greenville, NC, and continued her education at the Community Hospital School of Nursing in Wilmington, NC—one of the first Black nursing schools in the region. She began her career at the VA Hospital in New Haven, CT

as a nurse’s aide and later continued her service at Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, NJ, where she worked for 25 years before retiring in 1998.

Lugenia and her husband, James Wright Baker, resided in Newark, New Jersey, where they built a life centered on love, faith, and family. Their 64-year union was a model of enduring commitment. Together, they raised four daughters: LaVail (Kenneth) Jacocks, Dorothy (James) Dallam, Regina (Marcus) Williams, and Vernita (Tony) Belfield. Lugenia passed on to them the values she lived by - faith, compassion, integrity, and service.

Lugenia was an active member of the Clear View Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey. She served in several roles including deaconess, usher, choir member, and participant in Bible study. She was especially proud to be the founder and served as the president of the “Seniors on the Move” ministry—a group she led with vision, compassion, and commitment, creating a loving space for senior fellowship and outreach.

After relocating to Lopatcong, New Jersey, and later to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Lugenia united with the Greater Shiloh Church in Easton. In time, her husband’s declining health limited her ability to serve, yet she continued her fellowship and enjoyed participating at the Lower Nazareth Community Center for Seniors in Bethlehem.

Lugenia’s legacy lives on through her loving family, including her grandchildren: Kenneth (Kawanna), Tyrone, JaLeesa, James (Nyasia), Jade, Shayla, Lauren, Jalynn (Dante), Josiah,

and Crystal, who preceded her in death. She was the proud great-grandmother of thirteen great-grandchildren (two of whom preceded her in death). She also leaves behind her beloved brother, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of dear friends.

Her life was a beautiful reflection of love, grace, kindness, and purpose. She will be remembered not only for her unwavering faith and sweet spirit, but for her warm, gentle smile and soft-spoken voice that greeted everyone she met. Lugenia's presence was a gift, and the love she shared will continue to bloom in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

In honoring Deaconess Lugenia Baker's wishes, please consider making a donation in lieu of flowers. Contributions can be sent via Zelle to (908) 578-7270 or through CashApp at $DorothyDallam

Additionally, as blue was Deaconess’ favorite color, we invite everyone attending the celebration of life service to wear shades of blue in her honor.