TISSA BAKER 04/14/1937 - 02/18/2023
Tissa (Alice Faye Roberts) Baker was born in Archer City, Texas on April 14, 1937 to Bess (Emma Alice Justice) and James Rogers Roberts. Tissa was the youngest of four children, Nelda Rhae Strauss, James Roberts and Landon Kent Roberts whose deaths preceded her. Tissa’s children love to brag that she was crowned Rattlesnake Queen of Archer County. Voted Class Favorite and Most Athletic at Archer City HS, she played and excelled in every school sport, club, and the band, although she was quick to remind anyone recognizing these achievements there were only 29 students in her graduating class. Tissa attended Midwestern University in Wichita Falls where she met her future husband Philip Baker and earned a degree in music, majoring in concert organ and choral conducting. Upon graduation, Tissa accepted a position as Associate Director of Music at the University Park United Methodist Church in
Dallas. The following year she joined the Music Ministry staff of Highland Park United
Methodist Church, beginning a tenure which lasted 37 years. Tissa’s professional life was impressive, including children’s choir director, director of elementary education and assisting in pastoral care ministry. In 1996, Philip and Tissa “retired” to Austin where she directed the children’s choirs at Saint Mary Cathedral for several years while also volunteering at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center. After moving to The Buckingham in Houston, Tissa became an integral member of the residence. She helped maintain the library and the bird park, spearheaded employee appreciation, and enjoyed mahjong and coffee with her dear friends. Tissa was an active PEO member for thirty years.
Tissa, also lovingly known as Maga to her family, was adored and revered for her unwavering kindness, loving touch, calming presence and very quick wit. She was described by her mother as “strong like an oak” and has influenced everyone who was lucky enough to know her by her quiet fortitude and incredible grace. She was a baby whisperer, a horse whisperer and had a serene spirit that called birds to rest on her shoulder. Tissa was a fierce dominoes, chess, checkers and marbles competitor and super stealthy spoons aficionado. Absolutely beautiful in every way, Tissa’s sparkling blue eyes, endearing smile and gentle soul touched everyone’s hearts and lives on in her loved ones. She personified all that is good and peaceful in the world and will be deeply missed.
Tissa’s survivors include her adoring husband of 62 years Philip Baker and their four children: Bradley Baker (Terri), Amy Hollett (William), James Baker (Sarah) and Emily Bodden (Stuart); eleven grandchildren: Jordan, Landon, Adam & Ethan Baker, Sara, Annie & Kate Hollett, Bayliss & Callahan Baker and Isabel & Sam Bodden. “Maga” also has four great grandchildren: Ben, Brynlee, Landry & Luke.
A reception honoring Tissa will be held on Friday, February 24 at 2:00 pm at The Buckingham, 8580 Woodway Drive, Houston, TX, 77063.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “The Employment Appreciation Fund at the Buckingham,” 8580 Woodway Drive, Houston, TX, 77063