Phyllis Jean Bentz Baker

August 13, 1936 - September 28, 2021

Phyllis Jean Bentz Baker, 85, of Lakewood, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, surrounded by family. Born in Yonkers, NY, Phyllis graduated from Cliffside Park High School in 1953. She resided in Ocean County, NJ, for over 60 years, owning homes in Brick, Toms River, and most recently Lakewood. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Anson, in 2006, son Anson Kenneth Baker in 2012, and grandson Ryan Peter Tompkins in 2020. Surviving are her children, daughter Christy Baker Tompkins, son Gary Baker, and daughter-in-law, Susan S. Baker; her grandchildren, Benjamin S. Baker, Justin D. Tompkins, and Emily E. Baker; and her sister, Joan C. Brown. Phyllis filled many roles in her 85 years. She was employed as an Assistant Buyer for International Handkerchief in New York City, as a Title I Aide for the Toms River Board of Education, and as a Travel Consultant for Bon Voyage Travel in Point Pleasant, NJ. Phyllis became a member of Brick Presbyterian Church in 1960 and served in many areas, including as an ordained deacon and ruling elder, and as a choir member and Sunday school teacher. Her deep devotion to BPC was evident throughout her 61 years there. She considered the BPC congregation her beloved family. Phyllis was a gifted seamstress and home decorator. She began creating and expressing her personal wardrobe style at the age of 13, and her home always exuded her warmth and good taste. She was affectionately known as the “hostess with the mostess” in her dedication to bringing family and friends together in a warm, relaxed atmosphere to enjoy and celebrate the love she felt for each of them. Phyllis’s most cherished roles included that of devoted wife, mother, aunt, friend, grandmother, and most recently great-grandmother (G-G for short). Phyllis lived a good life. She was outgoing and welcoming, humble and caring, and surprised by kind words spoken about her. She lived a life of faith, always seeking to be in a state of gratitude even in the midst of sickness and loss. She sought to love perfectly. Her beautiful light will be missed here among us, but we are warmed by its ongoing presence in our hearts, shining on our path forward, inviting us to celebrate the gift of life each day through the love and connection we have with family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at Noon, October 16, 2021, at Brick Presbyterian Church, 111 Drum Point Road, Brick, NJ, 08723; repast to follow in the BPC Family Life Center. Those unable to attend in person can view the service beginning at 11:45 am on the Church Website: http://www.brickpresby.com/ In lieu of flowers, donations to Brick Presbyterian Church will be most welcomed. Silverton Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. www.silvertonmemorial.com.