Susie Baker, known and loved by so many, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, at home in Port Neches, Texas. She was born on January 10, 1954, in Port Arthur, Texas. To most, she was simply “Susie,” and to many, she was also known as “Coach Baker,” a name that carried just as much love and familiarity as she did.
Susie graduated from Lamar University with her Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. She dedicated over 40 years to the Port Arthur Independent School District, teaching and coaching at Travis Elementary, Edison Middle School, Stephen F. Austin, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Tyrrell Elementary, and several other schools throughout her career. She coached basketball, volleyball, track, and many other sports throughout her career.
She loved what she did, and it showed. Susie didn’t just teach, she built relationships. Her students were her kids, her coworkers were her family, and she gave her time, her energy, and her heart to all of them. So many people will remember the way she showed up for them, believed in them, and never stopped caring.
Susie was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, a place that was part of her upbringing and family history. In her younger years, she served as president of the GRA Girls Recreation Association, something that reflected her natural leadership and her heart for others.
If you knew Susie, you knew her hugs. There wasn’t a person she came across that didn’t get one—that was just her. She loved the beach, where she found peace, and she loved being surrounded by her family. She had a way of making people feel comfortable, always ready with a hug, a laugh, or one of her silly jokes that could brighten your whole day.
Susie was preceded in death by her parents, Francis Melvin Baker and Katie Lou Comfort Baker; her beloved life partner, Donna Worthington; her brother, Steve Baker; and her brother-in-law, George Thomas.
She is survived by her sister, Becky Baker Thomas.
Her nieces, Chera Hargrave and her husband Jack, Shayna Thomas, Amber Conner, Mindy Marse and Ashley Baker
Her great nieces, Lauren Louviere and her husband Lance, and Shaylea Thomas.
Her great nephew, Cade Latiolais and his wife Graci.
Her great-great niece, Liv Bren Louviere.
And her beloved fur pup, Carmen, who stayed right by her side.
Each of them held a special place in her heart, and her love will continue to live on through all of them.
Visitation to honor Susie’s life will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Both services will take place at Melancon-Levingston Funeral Home, 5601 39th Street, Groves, Texas. She will be laid to rest at Greenlawn Memorial Cemetery in Groves, Texas.
Susie’s life was full of love, dedication, and showing up for others. She gave so much of herself to her family, her students, and her community, and that love will continue to be felt in all the lives she touched.
She will be missed deeply and loved always.