Chesnie Carol Baker

Chesnie Carol Baker, a retired school teacher who dedicated her life educating and nurturing the minds of countless students, passed away on January 8, 2024 at the age of 83. Born on December 25, 1940, in Confluence, Kentucky, Chesnie Carol was the daughter of the late  Earl and Wanda Fisher Sizemore.

Carol's passion for teaching led her to a fulfilling career that spanned several schools and grade levels. She began teaching at the Wilder Branch, where she guided students in a one-room school. Carol then went on to teach at Stinnett, Big Creek, and Hyden Elementary schools, where she made an indelible impact on countless students in grades 1st through 8th. Throughout her career, she dedicated most of her years to teaching math, instilling in her students a love for numbers and problem-solving.

In addition to her career in education, Carol's was an active member of the Hyden Baptist Church. She found immense joy in being part of her church family and actively participating in various church activities and services.

Carol's enthusiasm for life extended beyond the classroom walls. She enjoyed going to yard sales and working outdoors with tools – hammers and latters being her favorite; she could never have enough hammers! Carol also had a passion for travel whether it be to the lake, or to her home in Florida.  

Among Carol's proudest accomplishments was being a proud member of the Cherokee Nation. However, above all else, she cherished her family dearly. Carol celebrated a loving and devoted marriage of 62 years with Lonis Baker of Hyden, KY to whom she wed on June 16, 1961. Together they raised two beloved children: son Mark Baker (Karen) of Stinnett, KY and daughter Beth Baker of Hyden, KY.

Other survivors include one brother John Sizemore (Ann K.) and one sister, Betty Langdon (Elmer), of Ten Mile, TN. She was also a doting grandmother to three cherished grandchildren: Michael Smith, Tyler Gilbert, and Conner Baker.

In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by two brothers Jimmy & Don Sizemore.

To honor Chesnie Carol Baker's life, a visitation will take place on January 13, 2024, at Wolfe and Sons Funeral Home in Hyden, KY, starting at 12:00 p.m. A funeral service, celebrating her life and legacy, will follow at 2:00 p.m.in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow the services at the Sizemore-Napier Cemetery at Hyden, KY.

Arrangements are being handled carefully under the direction of Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home.

*While flowers are welcome, expressions of sympathy may also take place in form of donations to the American Cancer Society - Breast Cancer Fund at the link listed below*

Chesnie Carol Baker leaves behind a legacy of education and love that will continue to resonate within the hearts of all those she touched. Her dedication as a teacher and her unwavering devotion to her family and community will be forever remembered and cherished. May she rest in peace knowing that her impact on the lives she touched will never be forgotten.