Lelia Baldwin's Obituary
Lelia Odessia Baldwin, 88, of Chattanooga, peacefully passed away Sunday, December 28, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on May 22, 1937, to the late Emanuel Peavey Sr., and Bethel (Fennell) Peavey. Raised with biblical values, principles, and morals, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. After accepting Christ, Lelia expressed God’s love to others through sacrifice, kindness, creativity, and forgiveness.
Sister Baldwin became a member of Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where she served for many years. Later in life, she joined New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Thomas L. Jones. She frequently held Bible study worship services in her home and invited many people to attend.
Sister Baldwin retired from Planters & Lifesavers after decades of service. It was not unusual to witness Lelia praying with an individual or group throughout the manufacturing plant. After retiring, she sharpened her creative skills through interior decorating. She designed, decorated, and arranged many different interiors for homes, churches, and weddings. Later in life, she authored a book entitled, God Speaks to Me, a memoir of personal experiences with Jesus Christ.
Lelia was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Emanuel (Annie) Peavey Jr.; her sister, Lillius Peavey (Christopher) Walton, her son, Clarence (Deborah) Turner; and daughters, Amy Baldwin and Saundra Baldwin.
Those left to cherish her memory and continue her mission include her children, Michael Baldwin of Akron OH, Johann Baldwin, Fredrick (Pamela) Baldwin, Veronica (Charles) Moffett, and Antwon Baldwin of Chattanooga, 19 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 28 great-great-grandchildren, and two very special friends, Rachel Lindsey and Karen Truitt of Chattanooga; a host of nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives and friends.
Lelia will lie-in-state on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel with Pastor Alonzo Noble as the Eulogist. Burial in Forest Hills Cemetery.
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