Mrs. Donna Smith Baker, of Chesapeake, and formerly of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at her son’s home, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 71.
Born on Oct. 23, 1953, in Nassawadox, Donna was the daughter of Donald Carroll Smith and Norma Jean Davis. Growing up as an Army brat, she lived a portion of her early life in Germany. She loved making connections with other Army brats, specifically those who attended Stuttgart American High School. Donna attended several reunions and held many long-lasting friendships from her years in Germany.
After returning to the Eastern Shore, she graduated from Onancock High School, where she played softball and basketball and was a cheerleader. After a year at Chowan College, Donna continued her education at Eastern Shore Community College, where she earned her associate degree. While attending ESCC, she met Joe Scott Baker, who would become her husband. She was married to him for over 20 years. The two raised their children in Chesapeake.
Always caring and willing to lend a helping hand, Donna devoted years as a volunteer. She volunteered at Faith Alive Ministries Food Pantry. Donna was also past president of Deep Creek Lions Club, where she earned the honor of “Lion of the Year” three times over.
A passionate genealogist, Donna spent over 30 years uncovering her family’s roots, tracing one line all the way back to the 1400s. Her love for history and family lineage was matched only by her eclectic taste in music — she was often found deep in research with Joe Bonamassa or Jimmy Buffett playing in the background.
But Donna’s greatest joy came from being a mother and grandmother. She was a dedicated Cub Scout den leader and PTA board member while her children were in school, always involved, always encouraging. When she became a grandmother, “Ma-B” was born — a title she wore with pride and affection. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life, and she poured her boundless love and energy into every moment she spent with them.
Donna is survived by her children, Ryan Kane Baker and his wife, Tammara, Joshua Shane Baker and his wife, Ashlynn, and Jessica Rachel Baker, all of Chesapeake; her siblings, Dale L. Smith and his wife, Susan, of Onancock, and Donnell Kisa and her husband, Jeff, of Plant City, Fla.; her grandchildren, Natalee Faith Baker, Collin Gregory Baker, Jacob Noah Baker, Kiley Marie Baker, Trevor David Baker, Olivia Carroll Baker, and Carter Joe Baker; her great-grandchild, Maddox Lincoln Baker; her nieces, Amanda Holland (Robbie) and Hana Kisa; her nephew, Jason Hart (April); her brother-in-law, Rob Maddox, of Marion Station, Md.; and her great-nieces and great-nephews, David Maddox, Jackson Hart, and Avery Hart.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald Carroll Smith and Norma Davis Sprague; her former husband and father of her children, Joe Scott Baker; and her sister, Denise Smith Maddox.
The family will gather privately for a celebration of life service for Donna. She will be interred in Onancock Cemetery.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
