Joan F. Baker

Joan F. Baker, 90, passed away on February 20, 2026. She was born to the late Frank and Gertrude Tracy in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Joan was born and raised in Cleveland, TN, and married her high school sweetheart, Ray Baker. Joan and Ray enjoyed camping, hiking, and waterskiing with family and friends. She cherished her family deeply and created countless lifelong memories.

She loved studying the Bible and was very active in her church. She taught Sunday school and AWANA classes and participated in several mission trips abroad.

Joan was a hard-working and dedicated employee from the age of 16. She served as the administrative secretary at First Baptist Church (FBC) for 10 years, and later as the FBC Recreational Secretary for 12 years. In that role, she taught dance/rhythm aerobics and Body-Recall classes. This sparked her passion for endurance sports, leading her to train for marathons, trail runs, long-distance bike rides, and eventually triathlons, including completing the Ironman Triathlon at age 55. Later in life, Joan worked for Cleveland City Schools, retiring at the age of 82. In January 2026,she celebrated her 90th birthday surrounded by family in her home.

In addition to her parents, Joan is preceded in death by her husband, Ray C. Baker, sister, Pat (Bill) Collins, grandson, Chad Brumfiel, and great-granddaughter, Zoey Tinsley.

Joan is survived by her children, Tracy (Ron) Plank, Tyler (Stephanie) Baker, grandchildren, Kristi Brumfiel, Kyle Brumfiel, Karlie (Jackson) Hylton, Calli (Brandon) Williams, Joshlyn (Clifford) Leonard, Ty (Anna) Baker, and Eryn Baker, 8 great-grandchildren, and one on the way.

A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026 at 7:00 pm at Companion Funeral Home - The Cleveland Chapel with Pastor Jim Gibson officiating. The family will be receiving friends from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm prior to the service.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Joan, or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com (http://www.companionfunerals.com/). Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.