On Friday, May 7, Opal Blake Baker left this physical world for her heavenly home.  She lived her life preparing to meet her Savior, and we have every confidence that she is with Him now. Opal was born in Montgomery in 1950 as the youngest of 4 children.  She married David Baker in 1969.  She and David had two daughters, Jo Ann and Opal Ranae, and one son, Paul David. She was a homemaker and professional baker for many years. Everyone loved Opal's cakes and her barbecue ribs! When David decided in 1986 to quit his job and attend preacher's training school, she was right there with him.  As David began to preach the Gospel, she began practicing the challenging work of being a preacher's wife. David preached the Gospel for 24 years, and anyone who knew David knew that an important element of his successful career was having Opal by his side.  She was the quintessential example of hospitality and generosity.  She was a devoted and selfless caregiver to David during a lengthy illness, and when he passed away on October 23, 2019, a part of her went with him.  Since that time, however, she grew tremendously in the faith.  She was a faithful member of the Emory church of Christ. She was devoted to Bible study with Christians and non-Christians.  She loved the Gospel! She was so proud of the fact that all of her children and their spouses were faithful Christians.  She loved having a husband that preached, as well as a son, grandson and son-in-law who preached the Gospel, too. She loved the Y'all Come Back Cafe, which she owned and operated for 15 years. Especially at the beginning of that venture, she didn't know much about being a businesswoman, but she certainly knew how to treat people with kindness and fairness. She was loved and respected in the Emory community.

Opal was preceded in death by her parents, Andy and Louise Blake of Conroe, and her loving husband of 50 years, David Baker. She is survived by her children: daughter Jo Ann Gibson and husband Michael of Crockett, Texas, daughter Ranae Bryan and husband James of Emory, Texas, and son Paul Baker and wife Holly of Portland, Texas. Opal doted on her 9 precious grandchildren: Ethan, Caleb, Michael, Noah, Luke, Isaac, Emma, Brandon and Andy. She also had 3 siblings: Weldon Blake and wife Darlene, Esther Duncan and husband Billy Ray, and J.R. Blake. She has many nieces, nephews and family members who will also miss her greatly.

Visitation will be at the Emory church Christ building on Wednesday, May 12 from 9:30 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. The memorial service will be in the same location beginning at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers family would like donations to be made to BCS Church of Christ for Preaching and Teaching the gospel in Mrs. Opal Baker's name.