Virena McClendon Baker

Virena McClendon Baker went to be with the Jesus on Friday, September 25th after a brief illness. Virena was born on June 9th, 1946, in Barton, Arkansas to Irene (Bottorff) and Stonewall Jackson McClendon. She was the youngest of three and she was the favorite of her daddy. She loved spending time doing anything with her dad and loved being in the woodshop with him at their home in West Helena. She moved to Illinois and had her three children. Virena loved being a mom and was always the biggest cheerleader for the kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. She loved all their accomplishments and was always the first to talk about the Master Chiefs or Penny’s latest patient story. She came back to Arkansas in 1987 and settled in Pine Bluff where she met Mr. James Baker, who was the love of her life. They ultimately moved to Sheridan, Arkansas where she lived until her death. Virena was a very talented seamstress, quilter, and crocheter. She was always happiest when she was in the sewing room working on some project for her friends and family (mainly for Penny). She was also an avid dog lover and had many over the years. The kids never remember a time when there was not a dog in the house. Her heart broke with the loss of each one, but she always found an opening in her heart for the next one. She is absolutely missed by Gracie who is at home missing her momma. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Carolyn McClendon Crisp, favorite son-in-law Tom Culp. She always said Tom was her bonus son. She is survived by her beloved husband, Jim Baker. Her daughter Penny Culp. Her sons, Jim (Lori) Gardner and Joe (Jacque) Gardner. She is also survived by Kathy (Mark) Fuell and James Baker Jr. She is also survived by her nine grandsons; Marcus (Katie) Culp, Cory Culp, Ryan Culp, Joshua (Baretta) Vincent, Jeremiah (Ashley) Gardner, Jackson (Kaitlynn) Gardner, Jordan (Kaitlyn) Gardner, Derrick (Catherine) Fuell, Lucas Fuell. As well as her great grandchildren; Lily Culp, Lucas Culp, Keylee Culp, Daxton Culp, Murphy Culp, Ethan Gardner, Emmett Gardner, Ivy Ann Gardner, Benjamin Gardner, and Sadie Gardner. She is also survived by her brother Tommy (Margaret) McClendon, her nieces Kerry (Ramey) Stiles, and Sherry (Mike) Wooten, her nephew Lee (Nicole) McClendon, and David (Terri) McClendon. Penny, Jim, and Joe would like to thank Justi and John Heath for being there for our mom and Mr. B over the years. Virena loved them dearly and we cannot thank them enough. Vi loved with every ounce of her being. Her circle was small, but she loved unconditionally. There will be no services as per her wishes.