ELLY

This week I attended a luncheon at Big Canoe for Elly Baker. I was honored to be the only man present among her friends and peers. Elly has lived in Big Canoe for the last 32 years of her 85 years. Today she is moving to St. Louis to be closer to her family.

Elly laughed this week when she said she was known as running the “cat house” at Big Canoe. She was referring to her reputation for feeding stray and wild cats, sometimes numbering 40 at her doorstep.

Elly leaves a great legacy as one of the “pioneers” of the Big Canoe community when it was created in the North Georgia mountains in the 1970’s. She came up with the name of Ridge Runners for the women’s social club, as well as naming the community newspaper, Smoke Signals. She was one of the early members of the ladies golf association. Their annual award for most improved golfer is named after Elly.

Elly is one the charter members of Big Canoe Chapel. She was one of the driving forces in forming a Praise and Worship gathering. She was a member of my Disciple Bible Study group, an intensive 34 week study of the scriptures. She hosted our last session in her home, as we dined together and celebrated the Lord’s Supper.

I will remember Elly for her inquiring mind, open heart, and sociable spirit. I appreciated her hospitality on my pastoral calls to her home. And I delighted in the wonderful meals she prepared and shared with me on occasion. I am thankful for this latest luncheon we shared with others this week.