Sally Kemp Baker, 86, of Brevard, North Carolina, died Saturday, March 28, 2026.
She was born in Marietta, Georgia, in 1939, the daughter of Margaret “Peggy” Butler and Henry Lynn Kemp. Her father was an educator, coach, and former superintendent of Marietta City Schools, and her mother was the last of the original co-owners of the Francis Virginia Tearoom, which opened on Poplar Street during the depths of the Great Depression and later moved to the corner of Peachtree and Ellis Streets in Atlanta, Georgia. The tearoom became a beloved gathering place where friends celebrated joyful occasions and found comfort in difficult times, sustained by its fine Southern cuisine, hospitality, and service. Continuing that tradition of hospitality, Sally helped celebrate life’s milestones for friends, family, and the community with her famous cheese straws.
A 1957 graduate of Marietta High School, she began her college studies at Erskine College, where she met her future husband, Gene Baker, a Brevard “mountaineer” attending Clemson University, through mutual friends. She later transferred to the University of Georgia, earning a bachelor’s degree in English. After marrying Gene, who was working as a research chemist with Ecusta Paper and Film Group of Olin Corporation, the couple settled in Brevard, where she pursued graduate studies at Western Carolina University.
Throughout her adult life, Sally was active in a variety of professional, church, and civic organizations. She served as chair of the English department at Brevard Senior High School in Transylvania County, where she taught for 30 years. She also held leadership roles as secretary-treasurer of the North Carolina Educational Association and treasurer of the Transylvania County Classroom Teachers Association, and was named Transylvania County Educator of the Year in 1968. She advised Brevard High’s newspaper, The Broadcaster, as well as its annual, The Brevardier. Her influence as an educator was perhaps best captured in the 1983–84 annual dedication to her: “She has the determination to do her best, the patience to do something over until it is done right, the ability to keep calm when things get out of control, and a sense of humor to sustain her when all else fails.”
A devoted member of Brevard-Davidson River Presbyterian Church, Sally taught Sunday School and actively served both her church and community. She was a Girl Scout leader and a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, the Brevard Junior Woman’s Club, and the Brevard Jaycettes. In later years, she served as registrar for the Waightstill Avery Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, was a Friend of Silvermont, and a member of the Brevard Book and Plate Club. She also served as president of the American Association of University Women, where she was instrumental in establishing and sustaining the local branch’s annual book sale, which raises funds for scholarships, STEM camps, and other programs benefiting girls and women in Transylvania County.
Sally loved playing bridge and belonged to several bridge clubs. She also enjoyed reading and sharing her affection for her favorite destination, Edisto Beach, South Carolina, with the family and friends she cherished. Time with her grandchildren brought her great happiness, and she delighted in cheering them on at their sporting events.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Gene, and her son, Jonathan Baker of San Francisco, California.
She is survived by her daughter, Meg Buchanan (Travis) of Brevard; her grandchildren, Gracie Carrick of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Baker and Grant Buchanan of Brevard; her sister, Margie Burleigh (Andy) of Greer, South Carolina; her nephew, Carter Burleigh (Amy) of Roswell, Georgia; her nieces, Meg Goosman (Eric) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Katherine Wells (Kasey) of Greenville, South Carolina; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, at Brevard-Davidson River Presbyterian Church with a reception immediately following.
Sally believed deeply that public education could change lives and communities, and she was a steadfast supporter of the AAUW’s mission to advance gender equality for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sally Baker may be mailed to either the Transylvania County Schools Educational Foundation, 225 Rosenwald Lane, Brevard, North Carolina 28712, or to the AAUW Brevard Branch, PO Box 2313, Brevard, North Carolina 28712. Those wishing to donate online may visit https://tcsef.org/ or https://brevard-nc.aauw.net/.
Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com

Moody Connolly Funeral Home is caring for the family.