Donnis Baker, age 81, of Lucedale passed away Saturday, November 16, 2024 at home in Lucedale. Donnis Lorena Mizelle Baker was born December 26, 1942, a Christmas gift to her parents, John Luke and Velma Lee Mizelle. This was 4 days before her daddy had to report for duty to serve our country in World War II. He returned from war when Donnis was 2 ½ years old. A simply family, rich in love, she was raised with her siblings, Paulette, Austin and Kathy. Donnis became a member of Holmes Missionary Baptist Church. She dearly loved her church family. As the years passed, Donnis began to start her family. She was blessed to give birth to three children, Danny Wayne, Polly and Tammy. While raising her children and beginning her career, Donnis became lovingly known by many names: Aunt Donnis, Mama Donnis, Mrs. Donnis and Mrs. D, to name a few. In about 1978, she began working at Lucedale Sportswear and met many people and made many friends. In about 1980, she was asked to come to work at Crispy Chick, a job she loved because she could share her love to cook with so many. As the years went by, Crispy Chick became Church's Fried Chicken where she continued employment for 22 years. After that, she was employed at Walmart Deli. She loved the work. Donnis said she loved being able to see people and visit from time to time. In 1982, she added another name...GRANNY. She was blessed to have 3 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild. In 1986, Donnis married John Baker. They were married for 17 years. At the age of 70, Donnis retired. On November 16, 2024, Donnis was called home to be with her Lord.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Danny Wayne Howard; daughters: Polly Ann Howard, and Tammy (Jackie) Eubanks; granddaughters: LeAnne (Jamie)Murry and Abby (Phoenix) Havard; great grandchildren: Alexandria(Dylan) Davis, Gabe Murry, Danielle Howard, Ivey and Grayson Havard; great great grandchild, Kingsleigh Murry; sisters: Paulette Dalrymple and Kathy (Joe) Hinton;  A HOST of other family, nieces, nephews, friends, and church family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Luke and Velma Lee Mizelle; grandmother, Erbie Dixon; husband, John Baker; brother, John Austin Mizelle; grandson, Darren Wayne Howard.

The funeral will be held 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at Sigler Funeral Home, 4248 Main St., Lucedale, MS with Rev. William Amacker and Rev. Nathan Bryant officiating.  Burial will be in Pipkins Cemetery, Leaf, MS.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, November 19, 2024 from 10:00-11:00am at Sigler Funeral Home, 4248 Main St., Lucedale, MS.

Sigler Funeral Home, 601-947-3112, www.siglerfuneral.com, 4248 Main Street, Lucedale, MS, is in charge of arrangements.