Sharon Denise Baker

The Honorable Sharon D. (Lola) Baker, 72, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. Sharon was born October 31, 1950, in Dayton, OH, to Sara Williams and Leemon Baker, Jr., who both preceded her in death. In addition to her parents, Sharon was preceded in death by her sisters Bonnie Parish and Shirley Blackwell; and brothers; Sheridan Lawson and Leemon Baker, III. A native of Dayton, OH, Sharon graduated from McKendree College in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and from Webster University in 1993 with a master’s degree in Management and Human Resources. Sharon’s professional success in sales and marketing led her to settle down in Louisville, Kentucky where she pursued a career in human resources for the Army Corp of Engineers. This role guided Sharon to her chosen career path, ultimately resulting in 37 successful years of committed service to the Federal government. Sharon served the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in the Louisville area office as Lead Enforcement Investigator and Mediator. A sought-after negotiator and union champion, Sharon was appointed Deputy Chief Negotiator and Chief Negotiator for the National Council of EEOC Locals, No. 216, AFGE/AFL-CIO and the President of AFGE Local No. 3599. In these roles, Sharon represented an eight-state region and negotiated terms on behalf of thousands of workers through statewide and national Collective Bargaining Agreements. Sharon was the first recipient of the National Council’s Edward Watkins Lifetime Achievement Award for her dedication and success in bettering employee working conditions. After retiring from Federal service, Sharon continued to serve nationally as a union negotiator and locally as an engaged activist. Revered for her committed civic duty, women’s empowerment and passion for championing the underserved, Sharon was appointed Councilperson in 2021 to fill a vacant seat on the City Council for Shively, Kentucky. On Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Sharon Baker was elected outright as the top vote-getter in the race for Shively City Council. Sharon was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, initiated in 2013 during the organization’s Centennial year. Always believing in active service, Sharon received high honors for her leadership of state and local Social Action efforts, including regional recognition for Louisville Alumnae for Social Action Committee of the Year, and personal recognition as the 1st runner up for Delta Dear of the Year. Sharon was also a proud volunteer for the Louisville Branch NAACP and the YMCA Black Achievers program as the Law and Government Cluster Leader. Sharon lived a life full of love and laughter while spending quality time with family and friends watching the Louisville Cardinals, shopping, traveling, and playing Bunko. Sharon was an avid supporter and mentor to so many. She was a devout Christian actively involved in St. Stephen Baptist Church ministries as a Sunday School teacher and tape ministry volunteer. Sharon leaves to cherish her memory her son, Darnell Baker (Oakland, CA); daughter, Angela Wilson (Richard, Sr.); grandson, Daren Barry (United Kingdom); two sisters, Barbara Beall (Dayton, OH) and Diana Ricks (Indianapolis, IN); and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, relatives, godchildren and wonderful friends who will always miss and love her. Visitation: Friday, November 25, 2022, 4:00-8:00 PM at St. Stephen Baptist Church, 1018 So. 15th Street, Louisville, KY, 40210. Funeral: Saturday, November 26, 2022, 11:00 AM at St. Stephen Baptist Church, 1018 So. 15th Street, Louisville, KY, 40210. (Viewing 10:00 AM). Internment at Louisville Memorial Gardens West, 4400 Dixie Hwy, immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations can be made to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated Louisville Alumnae Chapter Scholarship fund in memory of Sharon D. Baker. Visit www.dstlouisville.org/baker.

Sharon Denise Baker

October 31, 1950 - November 16, 2022