Traci LaTonya Baker's Obituary
Traci LaTonya Baker, 42, formerly of Chattanooga, passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at her residence in Antioch, Tennessee. A precious life was given on May 2, 1982, Traci LaTonya Baker in Chattanooga, Tennessee to William and Deborah Baker. A radiant force of nature who brought light, laughter, and love to everyone lucky enough to know her. Traci was destined to stand out – and she did, every single day.
She was educated by the Chattanooga Public Schools and was a proud graduate of Tyner Academy Class of 2000 where she shined both on and off the field as a cheerleader and a member of the T-Fi band as a majorette. Her energy, poise and leadership were unmistakable from the very start. Traci went on to attend Tennessee State University, majoring in computer science before forging a successful career of over 20 years in healthcare – rising to management and lead roles with confidence, grace and that wonderful spark. She built her career from the ground up.
Traci was a natural-born leader, but also the life of every party. A true social butterfly, she had an infectious personality – the kind that could turn strangers into friends and friends into family. There wasn’t a room she couldn’t make her own. Whether she was cooking up her granny’s classic recipes, belting out a karaoke favorite or dancing like the world was her stage, Traci lived fully, boldly and beautifully. Her style was her own – vibrant, fearless, and fabulous, just like her. She loved neon colors, fall, natural disaster movies, watching reality TV with her sister, and could quote Beyonce lyrics like scripture. But more than anything, Traci loved her family. She showed up, stood strong, and gave everything she had to those she loved. She was kind-hearted yet bold, warm yet wonderfully straightforward, always unafraid to speak her mind while embracing others with compassion and care. Her laugh, her love, and her larger-than-life spirit will echo in the hearts of all who knew her. Traci leaves behind a legacy of resilience, joy, and unforgettable style. A devoted mother, cherished sister, beloved aunt and friend. She had a deep passion for her sons and family. But most of all…she loved living life to the fullest. Traci also shared her gifts by serving in the community with her sisters in Order of Eastern Star.
Traci was preceded in death by her parents, William and Deborah Baker; her grandparents, Jimmy Davis, William “Sonny” Baker Sr., and Louise (McDonald) Rowe; and her aunt, Barber Jean Mathis. Forever cherishing her memories include her sons, Devante Baker of Atlanta, GA and Marcus “MJ” Williams Jr. of Antioch, TN; her brother, Mark Lamont Sr.; her sister, Natasha Baker (Oscar Salazar) of Chattanooga, TN; her nieces, Lanesha Baker, Sienna Salzar, and Keily Bryson; nephew, Mark Lamont Baker Jr.; great- nephews, Ja’Siah Williams, Ar’Muni Williams, and Graham Bryson-Tutton; aunts, Paulette (Albert) McCollum, Diane Kidd, all of Chattanooga, TN, and Y-Jean Kidd of Portsmouth, VA; special sister/friends, Holly Simpson, Nikki Bell, Shunae Griffin, Latocha Copeland, and Jazmine Kelly. and a host of sorrowing cousins, friends and Co-workers. Traci will lie-in-state on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the chapel with Brother John R. Taylor, Sr. as the Eulogist. Burial on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in Highland Memorial Gardens.
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