Mrs. Jennie (Ann) Nicely Baker was born on October 20, 1935, to Fred Nicely and Velma Sperling Nicely in Lansing, North Carolina. She was the fourth of four siblings, with two sisters and one brother.

Ann (also referred to as Granny and Butterball) peacefully departed this life on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the residence of her granddaughter.

In 1956, Ann relocated to Winston-Salem and became a resident of the Piney Grove community, and devoted member of Piney Grove Baptist Church. She was a loving homemaker and dedicated caretaker, nurturing the children of working parents as well as her own five children—Thomas, Wayne, William, Tony, and Diane—and her grandchildren. Ann was an active member of the Piney Grove Women's Progressive Club, hospitality committee, and a faithful attendee of Sunday School.

Ann cherished spending time with her family and friends. Her love for children was evident, always lighting up her face whenever she was around them. She shared a deep, unbreakable bond with her eldest sister, Lorraine Gentry, and held dear her friendships with Sarah Thomas and her best friend, Ms. Glenn.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her three siblings, her husband Thomas Baker, and two sons—Thomas "Danny Boy" Baker and Tony Baker.

Ann is lovingly survived by her daughter, Diane Baker; her sons William Baker and Wayne (Sheralee) Baker; nine grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; a host of honorary children/grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Even as her health declined, Ann found joy in simple pleasures—visiting the nail salon with her granddaughter, dancing to music, and listening to the piano player at the Senior Services Inc. day center where she attended twice a week.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Senior Services Inc.- the Home Care team, the Intergenerational Center, Meals on Wheels; NC DHHS Independent Living; and Trellis Hospice Care for their compassionate support.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 pm Friday July 25, 2025 at Piney Grove Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 12;30pm-1:00 pm Friday at the church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Her remains may be viewed Thursday at the funeral home.