THE LIFE OF CAROLYN BAKER…
Carolyn Robertson Baker, a native of Williamsburg, Virginia, was born on April 2, 1943, to the late Charles Williams and Lucy Robertson. She was nurtured to love and offer compassion for those who needed assistance. In addition to her loving parents, Carolyn was raised mostly raised by her aunt Evelyn and uncle John Rowe, and her relative, Sarah “Mama Sarah” Smith all of Williamsburg – James City County. The morals instilled in her would lead to a fulfilling life of family and community. Carolyn’s passion for family, commitment to community service, and education gave her purpose throughout her life.
Education
Carolyn attended Bruton Heights, a Historically African-American School located in Williamsburg, Virginia. Academic success was Carolyn’s priority, her desire was to attend college, and her educators provided her with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue her scholarly ambitions. With the focus on her studies, Carolyn did not participate in extracurricular activities, she was all about her studies… well…NOT EXACTLY!
Carolyn enjoyed her Home Economics class which inspired her love of sewing and other domestic skills. She volunteered her time with school and community events, when the DJ played her favorite songs at school dances, she was on the dance floor showing off her moves. When reminiscing about those times, she would put her hands in the air and say with laughter, “I was Cuttin’-The-Rug!” Carolyn formed wonderful friendships with her schoolmates but, there was one guy who caught her eye, his name was Nat Baker… Who’s Nat Baker?! In Carolyn’s Senior year of school, she served as class Assistant Secretary, was Crowned Homecoming Queen, and graduated from Bruton Heights, Class of 1961!
Carolyn furthered her education in business at Bennett College in 1961, a private institution for women in Greensboro, North Carolina, transferring a year later to Smith Madden Business College in Richmond, Virginia earning her Professional Secretarial/Accounting Degree in 1965. In 1982, Carolyn earned an Associate Degree in Business Management from Thomas Nelson Community College, Hampton, Virginia, and completed her Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Averett University, Danville, Virginia in 1998. As Carolyn continued her love for learning, she encouraged others to enroll in school, start entrepreneurship, and strengthen their skills… she wanted everyone to be their best selves. Speaking of best… Where is Nat?
Career
Carolyn began her career with Civil Service, her first position was with the Treasury Department in Washington D. C. After a successful tenure at the department, Carolyn accepted a position as a Finance and Accounting Technician at Fort Eustis Army Base (building 662) in Newport News, Virginia in 1964. Her duties included accounts receivable and payable financial transactions for the army base and payroll for the military soldiers. She established great working relationships with staff and especially the soldiers on paydays! Throughout her tenure as a Civil Servant, Carolyn received awards for her performance on duties from her superiors and dignitaries of the armed forces, she retired with 28 years of Civil Service from Fort Eustis in 1992.
After Carolyn’s retirement, she accepted a position as General Manager and Night Auditor with Family Inns of America Motel in Williamsburg, Virginia. At the end of her position at Family Inn, she continued her passion for finance by working as an assistant at Christian Accounting and Business Services, an Accounting and Tax preparation firm located in Norge, Virginia. Carolyn’s passion for education led her to serve as a Substitute Teacher with the Williamsburg – James City County Public Schools District.
Community
A historical black organization, The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC) founded in 1935, advocates for African American Women in their respective roles in society. Carolyn was a member of the Williamsburg and Vicinity Chapter and had the pleasure of serving as President and other positions on the local and district levels. She spearheaded the youth club and local community initiatives organized by the local chapter, she was a member for over 25 years. Carolyn also served as President of the Williamsburg-James City County Community Action Agency Board of Directors (W-JCC CAA), President of the Lightfoot/Mooretown Road Protective and Improvement League Organization, under the umbrellas of Neighborhood Connections and W-JCC CAA. Carolyn relished in the excitement of the community officials and members when reaching accomplishments and goals that would have an enormous impact on the future of the community. WELL DONE CAROLYN!!! What happened to Nat?
SO…WHO IS NATHANIEL “NAT” BAKER? WELL…
Nathaniel Odell Baker, a native of Toano, Virginia, was born on September 8, 1938, to the late Curtis Meekins and Bernice Baker. At a very young age, it was apparent that Nat would bring laughter and joy to all. His wit and unique personality would have a tremendous impact on lives will forever live on. Nat’s Stepfather, Douglas Ferguson, and mother provided a foundation for him that was built on love of family and the will to work hard towards goals that ultimately make him happy and proud of being himself… Nat Baker.
Education
Bruton Heights, a Historical African–American School located in Williamsburg, Virginia, was the institution that provided Nat with the academic tools he needed to become successful in life. In addition to his studies, teachers also nurtured Nat to ensure that he was provided with the support and skills to prepare for his future. Nat had ambitions to work for himself, follow his dreams of becoming a singer, and to have a family. He knew that with hard work and focus, he would accomplish these milestones but, there was one small issue… Nat didn’t like doing his schoolwork! Tutoring, assistance, offerings to turn work in late were all options for Nat but, he always seemed to get away without completing his work. With Nat’s charming personality and ability to convince his friends to side with him, some of them did his for him, great plan… NOT EXACTLY! His vibrant personality kept him in constant trouble with his teachers and the principal and even then, they couldn’t remain upset with him for too long. The principal even nicknamed Nat, “Lil Loud,” but in the end, he still had to do the work that proved he was very intelligent.
Bruton Heights offered many opportunities for students to engage in social events that allowed students a safe space to be themselves. Nat enjoyed planning school functions, and his leadership skills were beginning to emerge, this gave him the confidence to want to participate in more school and community activities. Nat took part in participating in school functions that would also showcase his talent as a singer, when there was an opportunity to sing, Nat sang with every ounce of his soul. The experiences in school boosted his confidence, assured him that he is valuable and that he can accomplish all things that he set his mind and positive energy towards… Nat graduated from Bruton Heights with his class of 1959!
Career
In 1960, Nat began his career at Eastern State Hospital, a facility that was constructed to provide care and treatment of the mentally ill, located in Williamsburg, Virginia. His first position was Kitchen Storeroom Keeper, his responsibilities were to keep a record of the kitchen’s food supply, inspect equipment, and ensure the safety of employees and patients of the hospital. Nat’s drive to provide a positive and safe work environment gained the attention of his superiors, and there was no question that his knowledge and skills would lead to better opportunities. Nat was promoted to Supervisor with responsibilities that included, scheduling work shifts for employees, purchasing food, kitchen equipment delivery of food supplies to patient housing facilities on the hospital campus, and maintenance of equipment. There was no task that Nat could not accomplish, his professionalism and leadership skills allowed him to soar in his profession. Nat was awarded and recognized by his supervisors and colleagues throughout the duration of his career, he retired from Eastern State Hospital with 30 years of service in 1991!
Community
Nat was not an official member of any community organization but, he devised a way to give back to residents, he became the local Chauffeur. He took pride in transporting residents to doctor appointments, special events, grocery shopping, and deliveries. The donations that Nat received for his services were overshadowed by the ability to make his passengers laugh, allowing them to freely hold conversations with no judgement and to sing along to the songs on the radio. He was passionate about assisting those who were in need and those who simply needed a friend.
Although Nat did not belong to any specific organization, he was always in support of community initiatives that served the greater good of residents. He participated in community clean-up events and provided input and feedback on workshops that would ensure the quality of services rendered to community members. Nat’s commitment to his community was phenomenal, especially being by the side of the love of his life… Carolyn… Yes, Carolyn!
CELEBRATION OF 60 YEARS of LOVE & BLISS…
The Beginning…
Nathaniel and Carolyn were introduced in the 1960’s at Bruton Heights by a mutual friend who knew that Nat’s outgoing personality and Carolyn’s mild manner and huge heart, would balance one another. In the hallways of their school, Nat displayed his affection for Carolyn by singing in her presence, drawing attention by his joking nature, and caring her books for her… this love language is something you see in a movie. They were the talk of the school because the chemistry was undeniable.
For these teenagers to officially date, there were rules they had to follow, they had to have a chaperone when going on outings. Carolyn would reminisce how her cousin and her husband would accompany them to nights in the town, the two became inseparable. After high school, both of their careers began to flourish, and they went their separate ways in distance but not in their hearts. Nat would make his way to visit Carolyn, and she would return home to visit him, their bond would become stronger.
Marriage…
In the home of Nat’s home where he resided with his mother, he and Carolyn were married in 1964 by Reverand Moody of Chickahominy Baptist Church. The home was filled with close family and friends and shortly thereafter, Nat and Carolyn lived in a home on the family property. They enjoyed going dancing, attending concerts and taking road trips with their friends and family. Caroyn would always praise her mother-in-law, Bernice Ferguson, by saying “Bernice was the best mother-in-law that I could have ever asked for.” In 1968, they moved into a home that was built just for them on Mooretown Road in Williamsburg, Virginia. They hosted family gatherings, celebrated birthdays and there were a couple of wedding ceremonies that took place in their living room. Carolyn and Nat had the pleasure of taking part in raising a few of Carolyn’s siblings, nieces, and nephews, they nurtured them as if they were their very own children.
The Baker Family…
In 1970, their lives changed forever, their only child, Natalie, who was named after her father. Natalie was nurtured with the same morals and values as her parents and was the love and bright light of their lives. Nat and Carolyn demonstrated unconditional love, devotion, and affection for their only child, Natalie was their precious jewel, and they were excited to share happiness with family and friends. The balance of careers and maintaining a stable home life were challenges at times, Nat and Carolyn were grateful for Nat’s mother, Bernice Baker Ferguson, Carolyn’s aunt Evelyn and uncle John Rowe, and cousin, Alberta and her husband Frankie Lemon, who assisted with raising Natalie in the time span of her toddler and pre-teen years.
As Natalie grew into adulthood, she blossomed and strived to follow in the footsteps of her loving parents. She was inspired by the giving hearts of her parents, they provided a pathway for her to establish herself in the local community. Natalie participated in community functions with her parents, and joined the Williamsburg and Vicinity Chapter of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc., alongside her mother. Natalie continues to make efforts to give back to the community, she is a proud member of two community-based organizations, the Lambda Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Soldiers United Motorcycle Club, Hampton Roads Chapter. Her parents strongly encouraged her to enroll in college, she has earned her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Specialist degrees. It was the desire of her mother that Natalie further her education to obtain a Doctorate Degree, and to fulfill Carolyn’s wishes, Natalie began to pursue her Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration.
Family Bond…
There was a bond between Nat, Carolyn, and Natalie that was phenomenal, it consisted of love, trust, protection, and utmost respect for each other. Nat belonged to Chickahominy Baptist church and Carolyn was a member of Lightfoot Baptist Church, later, Carolyn and Natalie joined Nat at Chickahominy Baptist Church.
Singing and dancing in the family room or in the car came natural for the family. Natalie got her love of singing from Nat and the old-school dance moves from Carolyn. If Nat or Carolyn had to go to the doctor, grocery store or just for a ride around town, guess what, Natalie was their Chauffeur, I guess Natalie got that Chauffeur spirit from Nat. Participating in Community events, birthday, and family gathering celebrations brought so much excitement, it was another way to share the love they had for one another. The family cheered and praised one another, and a simple smile, hug, or kind word meant the world to them.
Did you Know…
- Carolyn loved Butterflies but, she was afraid of them.
- Nat’s nickname for Carolyn was “Candy”
- Carolyn used to sew… She made clothes for she and Natalie
- Nat wanted a motorcycle but, Carolyn said… NO!
- Carolyn and a few of her Bennett College classmates snuck out of their dorm to attend a dance, they got caught!
- Nat played with the Toano Giants Baseball Team in the 1950’s and 1960’s
- Nat had the opportunity to sing with Sam Cook, he didn’t want to leave Carolyn behind, so he declined.
- Nat taught Natalie how to drive when she was only 10
- Carolyn and Natalie used to direct weddings.
- Nat sang in the Chickahominy Community Chorus with Blanche Reed, Ivie Hawkins, and other family members.
In Sickness and in Health… Til Death Do Us Part…
On January 11, 2025, knowing he was deeply loved by Carolyn and Natalie, he said his final goodbye and gently closed his eyes. He was preceded in death by his mother Bernice Baker; father Curtis Meekins; stepfather Douglas Ferguson; sister Ethel Baker Williams; and brother Reverand James Tyler.
On January 19, 2025, with Nat and Natalie dear to her heart, she said her final goodbye and slowly closed her eyes. Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Nathaniel Baker; mother Lucy Robertson; father Charles Williams; sisters, Doris Walker, Ernestine Vaughn, Cynthia McGilvary; cousin/foster sister Alberta Lemon; foster sister Arlene Rogers; brothers, Johnny John Robertson, Freddie Robertson, James Robertson; and aunt Evelyn and uncle John Rowe.
She leaves to cherish her memories, sisters, Clarine Bowman of Williamsburg, Sharese Cowles (Donald) of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Vanessa Scales (Carl) of Tennessee, Shirley Montague of Maryland, Maxine Johnson and Monica Walker-Jones (Foster Sister) of Williamsburg, Virginia; brothers, Keith Robertson (Sherry) of Tennessee, Marcell Robertson of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Larry Robertson, Lawrence Robertson, and June Williams all of Williamsburg, Virginia.
Nat and Carolyn wholeheartedly believed in the strong foundation of family the protector and provider of his family, lit the hearts and souls of all. His laughter and wit were contagious, he just wanted everyone to feel good about themselves. Nat knew that his family would carry on his legacy of laughter and the joy of living in the moment. Carolyn gave love and encouraged her family and friends to strive to be their best loving selves and to live life to the fullest.
