SUSAN NESMITH BAKER

SUSAN NESMITH BAKER, age 71, of Vestavia, Ala., died June 24, 2024.

The daughter of Carl D. and Vivian Brittain NeSmith, she was born on November 23, 1952, in Blountsville, Ala. She graduated from Oneonta High School in 1971 and received a BA in interior design from the University of Alabama in 1975, where she was a member of Alpha Omega Pi Sorority. She later completed a degree and master’s in education.

Susan married her college sweetheart, Tony Bice, and settled in Guntersville, Alabama, where they reared their sons, Scott and Nic until Tony’s death. She later married Wade Baker and moved to Vestavia. Wade has been Susan’s rock, source of strength and partner for twenty-nine years.

The joy of Susan’s life was her granddaughter, Quinn, whom she affectionately called, “Baby Girl.”

Susan’s faith in Jesus Christ was evident in all she did. She joined the communion of saints knowing her eternal home was with her Savior. Her life reflected the love and grace she knew from walking in a personal relationship with her Lord.

Susan lived a beautiful life – she loved well and was a light of positivity in a sometimes dark world. She loved her nieces and nephews as if they were her own children and was interested in and involved in their lives.

Susan loved spending time with her friends and family, decorating her home, attending concerts, laughing, traveling, adding to her various collections, and serving others. She was also an expert of 60’s and 70’s “one-hit wonders” trivia, which won her deep respect from her nephews.

Susan was predeceased by her parents, Carl D. and Vivian Brittain NeSmith and her husband, Anthony Ray Bice.

She is survived by her husband, Thurman Wade Baker, sons Graham Scott (Hayden) Bice and Nicholas Brittain (Leigh Ann) Bice, granddaughter, Quinn Everleigh Bice; adopted daughters, Emily Koza (Ron) Cryer and son, Colby, Julie Koza (Steve) Schwieterman and sons Camden and Clayton; brother, Carl Dalton (Jane Ann) NeSmith and sister, Sallie NeSmith (Keith) Gunter and a host of nieces and nephews.

The funeral was held Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church. The family received friends and family before the service from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. A graveside service was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Oneonta, Alabama at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Vestavia Hills Baptist Church youth or music ministry or to The Lovelady Center.

Lemley Funeral Home is honored to serve this family.