Pamela June Baker

Pamela June (Tarplee) Baker was born on June 11,1929 to Frank and Amy Tarplee in Abinger Common, England and passed away on August 24, 2023, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Pamela was a beloved adventurous and witty wife, mother and grandmother. She explored the world visiting countries from Vietnam to Belize and devoted her career to science both by driving research forward and educating the next generation. 

Pamela grew up in Birmingham, England attending King Edward IV school where she was a Girl Guide (English Girl Scouts).  She first pursued her interest in the sciences by attending  Birmingham Technical College while working as a laboratory assistant.   

Pamela continued her education at Birmingham University earning a degree in education. She played for the college netball (Basketball) team, and led the student body as the Student Council President for Women. Early in her career, she brought science to life by redefined the science curriculum at Charlemont School to incorporate a greenhouse and laboratory experimentation for her students.

In October 1952 Pamela emigrated to Detroit, Michigan with the encouragement of her sister and brother-in-law, Sheelagh and Dennis Lees. She started her new life as a medical laboratory technician and met her husband Bill Baker at the Tiptoppers Club of Detroit, a club for tall people.

In September 1955, Pamela and Bill Baker had an intimate wedding with immediate family. They built a life together for 65 years before his passing.  Their life together included raising two children Jennifer of Charlotte, North Carolina and Matthew of Saratoga, Wyoming and doting on their granddaughter, Chelsea Frid, of New York.  She proudly became a naturalized US citizen in 1963.

While raising Jennifer and Matthew, Pamela kept an eye on children by volunteering as a Girl Scout Leader and board member of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).  She returned to university to obtain her US teaching credentials and taught science at Gifted and Talented schools. She developed her career to become the Wayne County RESA Gifted and Talented Coordinator where she continued to improve and update the education curriculum. After moving to Lawrenceville, Georgia in 1984, she pivoted her career relying on her scientific background to become a Pharmacy Technician at Gwinnett Medical Center.

Pamela was a caring friend and active member of her community where she volunteered at Schoolcraft College Women’s Resource Center, Dogwood Chapter of Garden Clubs of Georgia, Georgia Hosta Society, and British Borne Chatters (BBC). She enjoyed curating her four acres into a beautiful garden, knitting sweaters for herself, family, and the teapot, and being an avid reader.

Pamela and Bill loved to travel and explored over 60 counties throughout their life together.  They shared their love of travel with Chelsea taking her to Ireland and Greece as a teenager.  This sparked her own interest in international exploration and inspired her to move to Spain and Germany.

In 2020, Pamela and Bill left their beloved home, gardens and neighbors in Lawrenceville, Georgia relocating to Charlotte, North Carolina to be closer to Jennifer. Although she lost most of her words due to a stroke, her could say anything through her eyes and expression. In her last days she continued to enjoy the outdoors, gardens and caring for her plants.

A celebration of life with a high tea and burial of her cremains will be held in Michigan at a later date where she will join The Old Chap, Bill.