Shirley Mae Baker

Shirley Mae Baker, known to family and friends as “Lady,” of Riverhead, died June 16 at Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead . She was 67. 

She was born Nov. 15, 1947, to Ruth Eva and James Brown Sr. in Weldon, N.C.

Ms. Baker moved to Riverhead in 1968. Family members said she always remained a “Southern girl,” who loved life and enjoyed parties when she was younger. In the ’70s, she became a member of My Ladies CB Club, under the handle “Country Girl.”

Ms. Baker became an active member of First Baptist Church in Riverhead in 2001, serving as an usher and on the usher board, until she became ill and moved to Riverhead Care Center for rehabilitation.

Ms. Baker was predeceased by her husband, Sampson; her parents; her brothers, James Jr., Calvin, Sherman, Pernell, Lonnie, Frank and Melvin Brown, twin infant brothers and another baby brother. She is survived by her sons, Harvey Lee Brown of Bellport and Robert Lewis Baker of Riverhead; her stepdaughter, Stephanie Sumpter of Charleston, S.C.; her stepsons, Sam Sumpter and G. Wade Sumpter, both of Augusta, Ga.; her sister, Alease Thomas of Riverhead; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many other friends and relatives.

A service June 23 at First Baptist Church of Riverhead, officiate by Pastor Charles A. Coverdale.

Arrangements were in the care of Seay Memorial Chapel in Riverhead.