Sara Jo Baker Batten, 80, died Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at her home at the Sumter Grove (formerly Morningside of Sumter).

Born December 16, 1941, in Sumter, she was a daughter of the late Ernest Wilson Baker, Sr., and the late Lois Touchberry Baker. Mrs. Batten was a member of Sumter First Baptist Church and the Winsom Sunday School Class. She was the Office Manager for Internal Medical Associates from where she retired after 32 years of service when the practice closed.

Survivors include three daughters, Linda Sue B. Stengel of Sumter, Pam B. Baker (John) of Sumter, and Melissa B. Beasley (Brad) of Mayesville; son-in-law, Shawn Stengel; six grandchildren, Blake Stengel (Molly), Drew Stengel, Laura B. Geddings (Clint), John Wells Baker, Britton Beasley, and Olivia Beasley; three great-grandchildren; a special sister-in-law and best friend, Miriam Baker of Sumter; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Ernest W. Baker, Jr., and her sister, Sylvia B. Frazier.

A funeral service will be held at 3 P.M. Sunday at Sumter First Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Dan Barber officiating. Burial will be in the Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Blake Stengel, Drew Stengel, John Wells Baker, Britton Beasley, Clint Geddings, and nephew, Ronnie Frazier.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 P.M. Sunday in the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall and other times at the home of Pam and John Baker, 1830 Queen Chapel Rd.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Sumter Grove, Swan Lake Dialysis Center, and Carolina Caregivers for the compassionate care they provided.

Memorials may be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering or the Benevolence Fund of First Baptist Church, 107 E. Liberty Street, Sumter, SC 29150.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.