Jean Brazzell Baker

Obituary for Jean Brazzell Baker

Cherished Mother, Mawmaw and Friend

Jean Brazzell Baker, lovingly known as Mama and Mawmaw, passed away at the age of 83 on December 11, 2025. Born on January 14, 1942, Jean lived a life defined by love, service, and an unwavering commitment to Jesus, her family and friends.Jean followed Jesus at a young age and she loved to talk aboutHim to all that loved her. Many hours were spent at the piano singing and playing hymns with her daughter Pam that formed Pam’s love of singing. Her legacy is one of devotion, kindness, and the extraordinary value she placed on relationships.

Jean was married for 61 years to her beloved husband, Henry Wayne Baker, who preceded her in death in 2024. Together, they provided a living example of the enduring power of marriage, showing to their children and grandchildren the strength that comes from sticking together through thick and thin.

Jean leaves behind her daughter, Pam Gilmore (Clint), and her son, Eric Baker ( Anna). She always supported them in all their activities and spent many days on the ball field watching Eric play a mirage of sports over the years. Any activity her ever growing family participated in, Jean was sure to be present. Her four grandchildren—Ty Gilmore (Danielle), Allison Beckham (Ryan), Madeleine Horn (Randall), and Caiden Baker—were the light of her life. Jean’s nurturing presence shaped their childhoods; she was nanny to Ty and Allison during their formative years, enabling Pam to pursue her career, secure in the knowledge her children were in loving hands. Jean also served as chief weekend caregiver to Maddie and Caiden, giving Eric and Anna precious date night time together.

Her impact extended to her great-grandchildren: Wyatt, Maddox, Aria, Leia, Sage, and Hallie. Jean’s fun-loving nature brought joy and laughter to their visits, and she will forever be remembered for the happiness she brought into their lives.

Jean’s servant heart was evident from her earliest days. She was a natural caregiver, always attentive to the needs of her brothers and sister, continuing to look out for them throughout adulthood. Her brother, Charles Brazzell, preceded her in death, and she is survived by her brother, Richard Brazzell, and sister, Judy Mackey (Bill). Judy and Jean shared a uniquely close bond, speaking daily and spending treasured moments together every week for many years.

Jean’s caring spirit extended beyond family; she was a constant support to friends and loved ones, checking in and providing comfort whenever needed. She sat at the bedsides of many during difficult times, embodying selfless service and compassion. Jean had the gift of showing she cared by the thousands of cards she sent to people over the years to show she was thinking of them in whatever they were going through.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Wylie and Dorothy Brazzell Jr. Her care for them was remarkable and reflected her deep sense of duty and love.

Whether called Jean, Mama, or Mawmaw, she wore each name with grace and will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to know her. Her life leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of her family and friends.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to her long time caregiver, Nancy Rushing, for her loving support and care for Jean in her final years.

Jean’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the family she nurtured, and the love she gave so freely. It brings the family great comfort to know she is completely healed and in eternal peace with her Lord and Savior, surrounded by the gratitude and affection of all who knew her. A service to celebrate her life will be held on Sunday, December 14th in the chapel of Jerry Hartley Funeral Home, Lancaster SC at 3pm with visitation one hour prior to the service at 2pm. Burial will follow at Antioch Baptist Church beside her loving husband.