Dean James Baker, age 88, of Jefferson City, formerly of Iberia, died on Thursday, December 6, 2012, at Heisinger Bluffs in Jefferson City. She was born in Iberia on June 22, 1924, daughter of the late Alvis and Oma (Vaughn) James. On November 13, 1942, in St. Louis, Dean married Edward Judson Baker, who preceded her in death on June 10, 1999.

Dean was an outstanding homemaker with tireless energy. She provided nurturing care to her family and loving long-term care for the elderly members of her family.

She was a member of the Iberia First Baptist Church and Order of the Eastern Star.

She is survived by one son, James Edward Baker and wife Judy of Chattanooga, Tennessee; two daughters, Linda Dean Hatfield and husband Roger and Carol Ann Baker both of Jefferson City; six grandchildren, Angela (Hatfield) Meredith, Julia (Pemberton) Theroff, Melissa Hatfield, Sarah (Baker) Dow, Susan Baker, and Greg Baker; eight great-grandchildren, Sadie Theroff, Lucas Theroff, Will Theroff, Addie Theroff, Blake Meredith, Morgan Meredith, Jenna Dow, and Gavin Dow; two step-great-grandchildren, Meghan Meredith and Malinda (Meredith) Mathis; and one step-great-great-grandchild; Elayne Grace Knife.

She was also preceded in death by four brothers and one grandson, Matthew Pemberton.

There will be a private family celebration of Dean's life.

Memorial contributions may be made to Iberia Cemetery.