Jul 9, 1954 — Oct 26, 2026
Johnnie Marie Baker, 72, of Overland Park, KS, passed away at her home on Monday, October 26, 2026.
Born on July 9, 1954, in Lucama, North Carolina, Johnnie was the daughter of the late Billy and Laura Barnes. She graduated from Lucama High School in 1972 before majoring in accounting at Atlantic Christian College where she graduated in 1975.
On April 21, 1984, she was united in marriage to Larry Baker in Wilson, North Carolina. The couple made their home in Wilson, where they had their first child (Laura) until moving to Tarboro in 1987, where they had two more children (Jonathan and Jason). In 1992 the family moved to Wake Forest, North Carolina before settling in Overland Park, Kansas in 1997.
Johnnie devoted much of her life to her family, her faith, and serving others. In addition to being a dedicated homemaker, she held various positions in finance and accounting and most recently served as a church administrator at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church and Second Presbyterian Church before retiring in 2023. Her involvement in church activities and volunteer work reflected her commitment to her faith and her community.
Known for her love of bright colors and her distinctive flair for fashion, Johnnie brought warmth, personality, and a vibrant spirit to those around her. She enjoyed volunteering, participating in church activities, and spending time with friends and loved ones. Later in life, Johnnie found great joy in traveling, especially to the beach, where she loved the beauty and peacefulness of the coast. Above all, she treasured time with her family and especially adored her eight grandchildren.
Johnnie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry Baker, and her parents, Billy and Laura Barnes.
She is survived by her daughter, Laura Bontje and husband Jason, of Overland Park, Kansas; her son, Jonathan Baker and wife Marisa, of Olathe, Kansas; her son Jason Baker and wife Kara, of Overland Park, Kansas; eight grandchildren, Savannah, Harrison, Brayden, Hudson, Summer Lee, Reagan, James, and Jackson; and her brothers, Jeff Barnes of Lucama, North Carolina, and Greg Barnes of Kenly, North Carolina.
A celebration of Johnnie’s life will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Overland Park, Kansas. A reception will follow at the church.
A burial service will take place on Monday, November 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Wilson, North Carolina. A reception will follow the service with additional details to be provided once available.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Obituary published by Johnson County Funeral Chapel & Memorial Gardens.
