Deacon Melvin N. Baker, Jr.

“I have fought a good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Deacon Melvin Nathaniel Baker, Jr., fondly known as “Nathaniel” or “Baker,”
was born on October 5, 1945, to the late Melvin, Sr., and Queen Esther Baker. He
went from labor to rest peacefully on January 25, 2022, at VCU Medical Center,
Richmond, VA.

Nathaniel was educated in the Essex County Public School Systems. He joined
First Union Baptist Church, Rexburg, VA, at an early age. He was ordained to
Deacon in 1990 and served faithfully until his health began to decline. Nathaniel
was employed with Tidewater Lumber Company for 20 years.

He will be remembered for his passion of drag racing. You could see the
excitement on his face and the joy in his eyes when he would talk about his
beautiful red 1971 Chevelle.

Nathaniel was joined in Holy Matrimony to his “Mom Cakes,” Rose Baker, July
16, 1988. He was preceded in death by his son, Lloyd “Chester” Campbell.
Nathaniel leaves to cherish heartfelt memories his devoted wife of 33 years, Rose
Baker; three daughters, Bertha Martin, Jean Cox (Mitchell), and Dianna Holmes;
two sons, James and Robert Campbell; eight grandchildren, Darryl, Jr., Brittney,
Felicia, Ja’Quan, Jayden, Lakita, Jazmine, and Semaj, all of which he had special
nicknames for; six great-grandchildren, Mallory, Harley, Akeelai, Jonathan,
Carmine, and Camrynn; three sisters, Estelle Baker, Jasper Fussell (Ron), and
Kathleen Baker; two brothers, Charles Baker (Regina), and Robert Baker; one
sister-in-law, Della Turner (Warner); two brothers-in-law, Robert Campbell
(Jean) and George Campbell; and a host of nieces and nephews who loved hearing
their Uncle Nathaniel make his funny jokes, one of which was is Goddaughter,
Alexis Jones; and an abundance of other loving relatives and friends.