Sandra Gene Myrick Baker went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 10, 2018 at the age of 72. Sandy is survived by her husband Chris, her five children Becky Baugham (Brad), Dan Baker (Amy), Beth Birnschein (Dan), Sarah Ebner (Ben), and Deb Reddick (Jon). She will be lovingly remembered by her 16 grandchildren: Josh, Katherine, Carson, Emma, Drew, Haddon, Gracen, Judson, Gabe, Stella, Matt, Sam, Olivia, Genevieve, Iris, and Will, by her mother Dolores Myrick, and her brother Chet Myrick. She was preceded in death by her father Chester Myrick.
Sandy was born May 1, 1946 to Chester and Dolores Myrick, Jr. in Fort Meade, MD. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to Garden Grove, CA where her younger brother, Chet, was born two years later. Growing up, Sandy was in the Girl Scouts where she learned to sail a boat, swim, and life guard.
Sandy came to know Christ as her personal Savior as a junior in high school. A Bob Jones University (BJU) graduate, who taught Sandy’s Sunday School, influenced her to come to BJU for college where she majored in secondary education. After graduation, Sandy taught English tutorial classes. She impressed one student in particular—Chris Baker. They were married June 3, 1971.
Chris and Sandy moved to Tallahassee, FL where Becky and Dan were born. In 1976, the family returned to Greenville where Chris began working at BJU. Over the next few years, three more children joined the family—Beth, Sarah, and Deb. Sandy began working in the Fine Arts department at BJU in 1986. She greatly enjoyed interacting with students and producing recital programs. She was later commended for her 25 years of service at BJU.
Sandy’s hobbies included swimming, gardening, touring historical sites, and spending time with her family. She enjoyed making doll clothes for her granddaughters and doing crafts with them.
Sandy was a faithful member at Mount Calvary Baptist Church for over 40 years. She was involved in Ladies’ Missionary Prayer Group, worked in the church bookstore, and helped mentor younger mothers.
Sandy’s true joy was found in being a wife and a mother. She was a faithful wife for 47 years. She diligently cared and sacrificed for her children. Her children remember her as a mother who expected them to do their best and who, at the same time, showed unfailing love for them.
In 2010 Sandy was diagnosed with lymphoma. Throughout her three bouts of cancer, her faith remained strong in her faithful Savior. She persevered without complaint to the end.
The visitation will be from 12noon-2:30pm at Mount Calvary Baptist Church 115 Cedar Lane Road in Greenville, SC 29601 on Thursday, August 16th with the celebration service following at 3pm. The committal will be Friday, August 17th at 10am at M. J. “Dolly” Cooper Veteran’s Cemetery 140 Inway Drive, Anderson, SC 29621.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to The Wilds Christian Camp and Conference Center (3201 Rutherford Road; Taylors, SC 29687) or Faith Ministries c/o Gospel Fellowship Association (1809 Wade Hampton Boulevard Suite 110; Greenville, SC 29609).
Sandy’s many “cups of cold water” quietly influenced those around her. Her life was characterized by kindness and gentleness. Her warm smile, encouraging words, and faithful prayers will be missed by all who loved her.