Mrs. Ila Lavata (Vala) Johnson Baker, affectionately known as Grammy, was the beloved wife of the late Howard F. Baker. She was born on April 29, 1931, to the late Willie B. and Pearl Lytes Johnson in Leesville, South Carolina, Ila peacefully transitioned to glory on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at the age of 93. Lavata resided in her home in Dover, Delaware for over fifty years.

Lavata moved to Jamaica Queens, New York, where she met her soulmate, Howard F. Baker. They married on July 31, 1950, and shared 67 wonderful years together, raising seven children. As a military family, they traveled the world before settling in Dover, Delaware. Both were devoted members of Whatcoat United Methodist Church in Dover, since the early 1970s. Grammy served as an usher for many years alongside Gramps and their daughter, Portia. She also had a passion for hairstyling, maintaining her license and keeping it current, after completing cosmetology school.

Lavata was renowned for her culinary talents, delighting family and friends with holiday meals featuring macaroni and cheese, string beans, succotash, Mexican cornbread, collard greens, cabbage, and sweet potato soufflé. Her adventurous spirit took her across Europe, where she collected cherished souvenirs from Germany, Italy, and France, often gifting her grandchildren T-shirts celebrating her travels.

An avid bowler, Lavata considered herself a semiprofessional and competed in the Senior National League, traveling nationwide for tournaments. She loved shopping and socializing at Spence’s Bazaar in Dover. Bingo and Pokeno were her favorite games, and she had an extensive collection of Motown music, including numerous records and 45s.

Generous to a fault, Lavata was known for her thoughtful gifts, often tucking checks into birthday cards for loved ones. She used her creative and unique ways of wrapping gifts. She cherished her conversations with her sister Violetta (Vi)” who lovingly called her (Bidda).

Lavata was preceded in death by her husband, parents, son Howard Jr., daughter Portia Baker Rogers, six siblings—Florence, Nathaniel, Adell, Vernell, Leatha, and Vergenus (Bo)—and great-granddaughter Ahyanna Janay Baker-Griffin.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: Beverly Ferguson of League City, TX; Rodney Baker (Tina) of Dover, DE; Fennis Baker- Waters (Wilson) of Goldsboro, NC; Kevin Baker (Shirley) of Georgetown, DE; Vanessa Baker-Waters (Issac) of Hollywood, MD; and Brian Baker(Rosalynn) of Delmar, MD. She is also survived by her sister Violetta Johnson, 19 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved in-laws.

Lavata’s vibrant spirit will be remembered by all who knew her, especially her dear friends Catherine Moore, Ruth Durant, and Steven Walls, among many others. And in case you didn’t know, her favorite color was yellow—a reflection of the bright and joyful life she lived.

Today, we celebrate the legacy of a woman whose love, generosity, and vibrant spirit will continue to shine in our hearts. God bless you.