Jill Applewhite Baker passed away at the Baptist Hospital on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, following a short illness.  Services will be held in the chapel of First Baptist Church of Clinton on Monday, April 10 ^th , with visitation from 1:30-3:00 and the memorial service immediately following at 3:00.  Burial will be in the Clinton Cemetery.

Jill was born in Columbia, MS on October 21, 1937 to Dr. and Mrs. Austin Applewhite.  Following graduation from Columbia High School, she enrolled at the University of Mississippi as one of the first Carrier Scholars.  She received her Bachelors and Masters of Music degrees from the University of Mississippi.  While attending Ole Miss, she was the Drum Major of the Old Miss Marching Band leading them to four bowl game appearances from 1955-1959 and a performance at the World's Fair.  Jill was also a finalist in the Miss University Pageant.  During her time at Ole Miss, she received the Taylor Medal, the highest academic award at the University of Mississippi given to no more than 1 percent of the student body.  She was an active member of Phi Mu Sorority and graduated Magna Cum Laude.  Jill was an accomplished pianist and dancer.  Following her college graduation, she owned and operated three schools of dance.

In 1962, Jill married Dr. Bill Russell Baker, a Baptist pastor.  They served together in Mantee, Calhoun City, and at the First Baptist Church of Clinton for 23 years as the pastor and pastor's wife.  She was always so supportive of Bill and of his ministries. Jill played the piano and led church music programs.  She was a pioneer in the direction and promotion of the hand bell choirs.

Jill and Dr. Baker traveled extensively.  They visited many places including Europe, Russia, China and the Holy Land. Jill was a familiar figure at the Baptist Healthplex where she majored on physical fitness.  She often taught classes at the Healthplex and for several years led a ballroom dancing class two to three times a year.

Jill taught professional piano lessons to numerous young students and adults.  She enjoyed golfing and has plaques for two holes in one.  She was an avid swimmer, taught life saver courses, and enjoyed the pool immensely.

Jill is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Dr. Bill Russell Baker, her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Austin Applewhite, and a brother Austin Applewhite.  She is survived by her sister-in-law Beverly Applewhite of Columbia, her caregiver Jan Cossitt of Clinton, and many close friends.

Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church of Clinton or to the Bill and Jill Baker Memorial Fund at the Mississippi Baptist Foundation.