Alice E. Baker was born December 4, 1936, to the late Zenious Smith, Sr. and Mary Jane Monroe in Glennville, Georgia. At an early age, she joined St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church where she remained a member until she relocated to New Jersey. She was educated in the Long County School system and enjoyed playing basketball in high school.
Upon arriving in New Jersey, Alice held many positions until she found her niche. She worked in the healthcare field for many years most of which were spent at Monmouth Medical Center where she retired after thirty plus years as a phlebotomist. After retirement, she continued to work part time at the Monmouth Family Health Center until her health began to fail in 2017.
Alice was a member of the Pilgrim Baptist Church for many years and enjoyed singing with the G & M Ensemble, the Morning and Evening choirs. She enjoyed traveling and delighted in her many road trips to Georgia and Florida for family gatherings as well as traveling with her friends for pleasure. Alice was a very private but kind and charitable person willing to help when and wherever her services were needed. She loved shopping and found it hard to pass up a good sale. She didn’t eat much but loved food and always wanted to know what you were having for dinner.
She was predeceased by her parents Zenious and Mary Jane Smith, Sr., brother Zenious Smith, Jr., four sisters Mammie Berry, Mary McDonald, Laura Johnson, and Beatrice Wright. She is also predeceased by her beloved friend and companion Philip Lofton and her best friend of fifty plus years Dorothy James.
She leaves to cherish her memory nieces Marvylin Perry, GA; Susan Anderson, FL; Karen McDonald, Germany and twenty-nine other nieces and nephews; her surrogate family Alexander, Audrey, Gregory and Kevin James and a host of great nieces, nephews and friends. She will be missed by all who knew her and worked with her over the years.
Many thanks to the watchful staff and neighbors at 19 Morfort Place in Red Bank where Alice lived for 33 years until her health declined. Also, thanks to the Executive Director and staff at The Chelsea at Tinton Falls where she spent her final days and her colleagues and friends who took the time to call or visit.
*In lieu of flowers make donations to your favorite charity*
Our sincere condolences and continued prayers for the loss of our dear Aunt Alice. She was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.