Geraldine Baker Wild

ASHEVILLE—Mrs. Geraldine Baker Wild age 95 of Asheville went to be with the Lord on Friday, November 27, 2009, surrounded by her family, whom she dearly loved. Mrs. Wild was born March 4, 1914 in Madison County and lived there until 1987 when she and her husband sold their farm and moved to Weaverville. Upon her husband's death in 2004 she moved to Asheville to be closer to her family. Daughter of the late Levy and Carrie Massey Baker, she was a graduate of Walnut High School. Before moving to Weaverville, Mrs. Wild was a faithful member of North Fork Baptist Church, where she was the pianist for many years, as well as a Sunday School teacher. After moving, she and her husband joined Locust Grove Baptist Church. Recently, when she was able, she attended Merrimon Avenue Baptist Church with her daughter. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Wild was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Claude Wild, with whom she was happily married for 67 years, and her four brothers, Alvish Baker of Michigan, Harold Baker of Hot Springs and Ralph and Leonard Baker of Marshall. She is survived by her daughters, Carol Wild Buckner and husband Lowell of Asheville, and Donna Jean Wild of Hendersonville; her granddaughters, Sherrie Buckner Tomberlin and husband Bill, and Lori Buckner Bishop and husband Bill, both of Asheville; her great grandchildren, Joel Tomberlin and wife Kerry, Seth Bishop, Brittany Bishop, Jared Tomberlin, Abby Bishop, Isaac Bishop and Grace Bishop; her sister, Ruth Baker Fisher of Asheville; sisters-in-law, Maye Baker and Elizabeth Baker of Marshall and brother-in-law, Wayne Faulkner of Asheville; along with many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Mrs. Wild's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 29, 2009 in the Chapel of West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville with Rev. Dale Fisher and Rev. Lester Crayton officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Burial will be in Ashelawn Gardens of Memory, Asheville at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 30, 2009 with Rev. Ben Whitmire officiating. Mrs. Wild was a very talented lady. In high school she was known for her art. She was offered an art scholarship. However, feeling that her mother needed her with five younger siblings at home, she declined and stayed home to help. She also had great writing abilities. Some of her poems and stories were published in local newspapers and magazines. Her siblings often told of how she would convince them to do their chores around the farm just by promising to tell them a story later, which she made up at the time. She often joked that she always thought she was going to do great things, but instead she married a farmer. She had a very happy marriage with that farmer. She will be remembered for her sweet smile and the many acts of kindness she did for so many people. She was known as "the lady of hospitality". She always wanted to give someone something. Up until her illness a few weeks ago she was still sewing and cooking for friends and neighbors. Special thanks go to the Homebound Ministry of Locust Grove Baptist Church, who so faithfully have visited her for the past few years. Flowers are appreciated; however, memorials may be made to Locust Grove Baptist Church Homebound Ministry, 330 Locust Grove Rd., Weaverville, NC 28787 or Operation Christmas Child, Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. A memorial tribute video is available at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com under Mrs. Wild's obituary.