Dr. Elizabeth Baker

Elizabeth Renwick Baker, MD died peacefully on August 30, 2021, at her home in Columbia SC. She was born Sept. 24, 1949, in Washington DC to the late Dr. Ralph Parr Baker and Elizabeth Renwick Baker. She spent her youth in Newberry and was valedictorian of her high school class. She received her undergraduate degree in chemistry from Duke University, followed by an MD from Duke Univ School of Medicine in 1975. After a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Duke from 1975-79, she was Board Certified by the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dr. Baker completed a Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) at the Medical University of South Carolina, becoming Board Certified in this subspecialty in 1984. She entered the field of academic medicine and served as an Assistant Professor of Ob/Gyn and REI at Hershey Medical Center/Penn State from 1981-1986, then returned to her native SC and accepted a position as Associate Professor of Ob/Gyn and REI at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. In addition to maintaining a private practice and teaching hundreds of medical students and residents, Dr. Baker published extensively in the field of exercise endocrinology and infertility. She practiced in Columbia until her retirement in 1996. Dr. Baker was involved in many professional organizations, including the American Fertility Society, the American College of Ob/Gyn, and served as President of Duke Medical Alumni Association. She was a longtime member of First Presbyterian (ARP) Church in Columbia SC. Elizabeth had many interests outside of medicine. She sang in the Duke University Chapel Choir for 12 years and continued a lifelong love of music. She was an enthusiastic supporter of the Riverbanks Zoo and her avid interest in iguanas was well known. Dr. Baker was an amateur photographer and traveled extensively.

Dr. Baker is survived by four siblings: Dr. Mary E. Baker of Newberry SC; Dr. Ralph P. Baker (Susan) of Chapin SC; Dr. Erwin R. Baker (Sally) of Chapin SC; and Catherine B. Carlson of Newberry SC. She was most proud of her nine nieces and nephews: Dr. Susie B. Boles (Dr. David); Ralph M. Baker (Anna Gray); Dr. Russell B. Baker; Virginia M. Baker; William E. Baker; Dr. Christian D. Baker (Rose); Mary Beth C. Klein (Paul); Capt. Rebecca R. Carlson; Capt. Thomas B. Carlson; and 5 great nieces and nephews. Also surviving is her aunt, Catherine Renwick Hardwick (Dayton) of Bedford, NH.

Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30am on Thursday, Sept 2, 2021, at McSwain-Evans Funeral Home, 1724 Main St, Newberry SC. Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am, officiated by Rev. David Lauten in the McSwain-Evans Funeral Chapel with burial to follow at Rosemont Cemetery, 2699 College St, Newberry SC.

The family wishes to express deep thanks to Neese Grant for her years of devotion and compassionate care. Keta Forrest also gave invaluable support throughout Elizabeth’s illness. She is survived by one of her dearest friends, Rhonda Estock, who has given countless acts of heartfelt support. The BrightStar Care team, especially Peggy, Christi, Twanda, Thelma, Symone, and Alondra, provided tender loving care for which the family is so very grateful.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Riverbanks Zoo Society, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia SC 29210.

Active pallbearers will be William E. Baker, Christian D. Baker, Paul B. Klein, Ralph B. Summer, Boyd H. Parr, Calhoun B. Parr and Timothy A. Parr.