Jill Humes Baker

She graduated from University of California, Riverside with a BA in English and continued her education with a Masters in Library Science from San Jose State University. Later, she was part of the inaugural class to earn a Doctorate in Education with a concentration in Community College Leadership from San Diego State University.

Education was Jill’s passion throughout her career, from working as a public librarian, a third-grade teacher, a community college librarian, and finally, as a community college Dean. Post-retirement, she continued her work in higher education as a consultant on post-secondary disability services.

She is preceded in death by her parents Mack and Rosemary (Hellman) Humes and her sister Kathy Fuller. She is survived by her husband Leonyx Gene Baker, daughters Kate Baker and Sarah Baker, grandson John Leonyx Baker-Muldoon, sister Judy Jensen, as well as numerous cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Jill is remembered as a vibrant, loving person, who has had an immeasurable impact on the lives of friends, relatives, students and many others. She approached everything she did with compassion and an open heart and dedicated her life to lifting up others. She has been described as a woman of the utmost integrity, a bright light in the world, a beacon of strength and kindness, and will be remembered for pouring her heart into everything she did.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life for Jill, at a date to be determined. The first will be in Georgetown, Texas and later, a second Celebration of Life, in San Diego, California.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her honor to the Gary Sinise Foundation or Meals on Wheels.