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Ms. Shirley Mae Baker was born April 1, 1947 to the late Willie Baker and the late Vercy Jackson. Shirley was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She is the second child of three children. She was baptized at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church and participated in all youth activities. Shirley received her education in the Austin Independent School District. She was a graduate of the L. C. Anderson High School. She was the first woman to receive seniority as a bus operator at Capital Metro. She retired from Capital Metro with 30 years of service; and has a photographed plaque at Capital Metro headquarters in Austin, Texas. She was a member of the Amalgamated transit union during her time of service with Capital Metro. In her early years Shirley Baker was an actress and singer in the 1976 movie Lead Belly with Roger Mosley. She was a known activist and great humanitarian in the city of Austin, Texas. She impacted many people during the course of her life. Shirley never met a stranger; she always spread love and gave wonderful words of wisdom. Her joyous spirit and bright light always brought happiness to all who crossed her path. She was very funny, a “comedian at heart.” She had an infectious smile. Shirely ensured that the needs of the family were always met, and that the family was always kept safe. Shirley made many lifelong friends that became a part of her family. She was always lending a helping hand to help others. She loved to cook for her family and feed the homeless people in her community. The smell of cooking was always present in her home as well as the sound of laughter, music, and her humorous fussing. If you would stop by, she would offer you a drink and fix you a quick meal. She was a bad mamma jamma “Queen Mother.” She always made time to attend weddings, graduations, birthdays, and other milestones and accomplishments. She was always there front row. She was a great leader. Shirley’s legacy will live on in her next generations. On June 26, 2024 Shirley transitioned from labor to reward and peace surrounded by her loved ones. She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Baker and Vercy Jackson in Austin, Texas; her brother, Ernest Baker; her former spouses, Eugene Harrison and Quintus Scott, Sr.; her stepson, Kevin Scott; her uncles George Jackson, Charlie Jackson, and Early Jackson; her aunts, Verliee Jackson, Clara Shepherd, and Hester Jackson, all of Texas and she gracefully joined them at the gates of heaven. Those left to fulfil and cherish Shirley’s legacy include her sister, Evelyn Baker of Austin; two half brothers (twins), Mr. Leo Dawson Sr. and Mr. Lee Dawson both or Lockhart, Texas; her half-sister, Larene Dawson Jones of Austin, Texas; her children the heartbeats of her life, Deborah Baker (spouse Randy Jackson), Ernest Baker Olaudah (fiancé Kerstin Thompson), Sherri Miller, Cecil Rice Jr., Khalilah Harrison (spouse Nathaniel C. Davenport), Khalif Harrison Sr.; two step-children, Michelle Harrison and Quintus Scott Jr. Shirley has 30 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews , cousins, and other relatives and friends. Shirely will be forever loved and missed by all who knew her…

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Shirley Mae Baker

April 1, 1947 - June 26, 2024