HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 09-01-20; 4-a - Resolution Honoring and Remembering Donna Baker, Clerk to the Orange County Board of Commissioners 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 1, 2020
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Resolution Honoring and Remembering Donna Baker, Clerk to the Orange
County Board of Commissioners
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Resolution Honoring and Remembering BOCC Chair Penny Rich, 919-245-2126
Donna Baker Greg Wilder, 919-245-2300
PURPOSE: To adopt a resolution honoring and remembering Donna Baker, Clerk to the
Orange County Board of Commissioners.
BACKGROUND: On July 31, 2020, Clerk to the Board of Commissioners Donna Baker passed
away unexpectedly at her home in Orange County. Ms. Baker had served as Clerk to the Board
for 18 years since her appointment in June 2002.
Donna graduated from high school in Georgetown, SC and subsequently from Clemson
University with Honors in 1978. Ms. Baker built a lifelong career of community service from her
early work with parents and children at The Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill, to positions
with Georgetown, SC County Government, and her most recent position as Clerk to the Orange
County Board of County Commissioners.
Donna was blessed with two children — Jeremy and CeCe — who are now older with families of
their own. She was an accomplished learner and reader, and was also a true lover of animals,
including adopting several rescue pets over time.
While she greatly loved Orange County, Donna also held a special place in her heart for the
South Carolina beaches, especially the Georg etown/Pawley's Island area. She spent many
years and vacations there enjoying the sea and surf.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this resolution.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There is no Orange County Social Justice Goal impact associated
with this item.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board adopt and authorize the
Chair to sign the resolution honoring and remembering Donna Baker for the joy and spirit she
shared with others and for her service as Clerk to the Orange County Board of Commissioners.
RES-2020-043 2
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION HONORING AND REMEMBERING
DONNA BAKER
CLERK TO THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WHEREAS, Donna Baker, Clerk to the Orange County Board of Commissioners, passed away
unexpectedly at her home in Orange County on July 31, 2020; and
WHEREAS, Donna Baker was appointed Clerk to the Board in June 2002 and served as Clerk
for over 18 years; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from Clemson University with Honors in 1978, Ms. Baker built a
lifelong career of community service from her early work with parents and children in need at
The Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill, to positions with Georgetown, SC County
Government, and to Clerk to the Orange County Board of Commissioners; and
WHEREAS, Donna was blessed with and continually expressed love and support for her two
children — Jeremy and CeCe; and
WHEREAS, Donna loved Orange County and at the same time claimed a lifetime fondness for
Pawley's Island, South Carolina where she spent many years and vacations on the beach
enjoying the beautiful sunshine and relaxation of the South Carolina sea, sound, and surf; and
WHEREAS, Donna served the residents of Orange County and a total of 18 different members
of the Board of Commissioners as a dependable, smart, dedicated, steadfast, and calming spirit;
and
WHEREAS, former County Commissioner Moses Carey commented, "She was so good to all of
us. She treated County residents with special warmth when they came to her for help. She was
a real friend and dedicated public servant, especially to the Board of Orange County
Commissioners;" and
WHEREAS, former County Commissioner and North Carolina State Senator Valerie Foushee
shared, "I knew Donna for 40 years, and she remained the same person for that entire period of
time: bright, respectful and caring. She was the most trusted, respected county employee during
my time as a commissioner, and I suspect to the end. She made every commissioner feel like
he/she was her favorite. That's a gift;"
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners,
on behalf of County residents, officials and employees, honor and remember Donna Baker for
her spirit, her energy and her innumerable contributions to Orange County and beyond; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board extends its condolences to Jeremy, CeCe, and all
of Donna's family and friends; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of County Commissioners
expresses its sincerest appreciation and commends Donna Baker for her lifetime of service.
This the 1st day of September, 2020.
Penny Rich, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners