By Janie Harris

Editor-in-Chief

On Saturday, Sept. 19, Deborah “Mrs. Deb” Cole Baker died in her home from a blood clot, according to her co-workers in the cafeteria. With the news of her death, students, faculty and staff began to share memories of their time with her and mourn the loss of a beloved face of Piedmont. 

“Every day when I went into the café, Mrs. Deb would meet me to give me a hug. She never failed to put a smile on my face or make me laugh just in the short time we would talk during lunch or breakfast,” said junior nursing major Andrea Bell.

The 56-year-old Demorest native left behind a mother, two children, grandchild and many Piedmont students. One son preceded her in death. Baker had worked at Piedmont in food service for many years, and her co-workers and students loved her.

“I’m sure if she could tell us anything right now it would be something about how happy she is to be reunited with her son and for all of us to be happy and to finish our dreams,” said Bell.

The service will be held Thursday, Sept. 24 at 1 p.m. at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where she had frequently attended during her life. There will also be an on-campus event to remember the life of Baker at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25 in the Jenkins Lobby. 

“We never know when our last day could be. And, that’s why we should be more like Mrs. Deb, and always have a positive impact on others’ lives,” Bell said.

For more information, contact McGahee-Griffin and Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia at (706)778-8668 or Piedmont College Chaplain Ashley Cleere at [email protected].