Arlene (Outlaw) Baker

Arlene Outlaw Baker, 96, of Kinston, passed away on Monday, July 28, 2025.  She was born on March 26, 1929, in Wayne County to the late Joseph Wright Outlaw and Mollie Stroud Outlaw. Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Cleveland Lee Baker, Sr.; her daughter, Dayle; her son, Tuffy; her grandson, “Little Fred”; and her son-in-law, Roger Carter.

In addition to those previously mentioned, Arlene was preceded in death by 10 siblings: Joseph Outlaw Jr., Iris Mozingo, Lillie Hill, Bessie Weeks, Kathleen McDaniel, Bonnie Carter, Doris Harrison, Ann Honeycutt, and Dennis Outlaw.

Arlene’s life was a living testament to who she was. A devout woman of faith, wife, mother, grandmother and true friend are just a few ways to describe Arlene. She was a precious lady that loved her family with all her heart. A true “southern bell”, Arlene was always dressed beautifully and presented herself in the most Christlike manner.

She was a member of the Jackson Heights Original Free Will Baptist Church, where she enjoyed cooking for all occasions and loved to help decorate.

Arlene had a natural gift for making things look beautiful. She loved to garden. Working in her yard was one of her favorite things to do.

Everyone was welcomed into Arlene’s home. When you visited there, you were always treated like family and with the utmost respect. Her home was a safe haven for many.

Music was a large part of Arlene’s life. Often, you could find her sitting around the house with her children and family singing and enjoying one another’s company.

She is survived by her two daughters, Barbara Carter, Molly Jones and husband, Rodney; son, Jonny Baker and wife, Kim; daughter-in-law, Troni Baker; 17 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and 25 great-great grandchildren. Arlene is also survived by her sister, Rachel Spann; her brother, Eddy Outlaw; as well as a special niece and nephew, Bet and George Bryan.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Jackson Heights Original Free Will Baptist Church with Pastor Justin Barnette officiating. Visitation to follow.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jackson Heights Original Free Will Baptist Church Youth Group, attention Matthew Elmore, PO Box 724, Kinston, N.C. 28504-0724.