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Carol Jean (Sallie) Baxter November 29, 1953 – August 30, 2007.
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Carol Jean (Sallie) Baxter November 29, 1953 – August 30, 2007
On August 30, 2007, Carol Jean Sallie Baxter (Queenie) quietly slipped into the arms of Jesus at the Atlantic Hospice Residence in Morristown, NJ. She spent her final days surrounded by her beloved family and the dear friends whose lives she so deeply touched. She didn’t mind “waiting on the Lord” and was ready when He said, “My Child, you’ve done good but it’s time to come home”. Carol was born on November 29, 1953, in Summit, NJ to Doris James Sallie and Willie Alfred Sallie and was the first daughter of twelve children. As the first granddaughter of Willie and Jennie Sally, her grandfather immediately crowned her “Queenie”. It’s a big name to live up to and she always did.
Carol attended Madison Public Schools. She was a Girl Scout and in high school was a member of the Marching Band playing trumpet (which she picked up from her brother, Robert, when he grew tired of it) and was a member of the Madison High School Twirlers. She graduated from Madison High School with the class of 1971. After high school she attended Berkley Business College. Following Berkley, Carol was employed at Exxon Research and Engineering, Bellcore and Prudential before joining Alcatel-Lucent in Murray hill, NJ, where she was employed for ten years as Assistant to John Kritzmacher, Chief Operating Officer, Services.
At the age of 14, Queenie accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior and was baptized on May 5, 1968 at First Baptist Church of Madison by Reverend Russell Fox. As a child, she attended Sunday school and was a member of the Junior Choir. As an adult, Carol was one of the most active members of First Baptist Church. She was a Deaconess, President of the Usher Board, Choir member, Youth Group Advisor, Youth and Young Adults Choir Advisor, Church Secretary, mentor, and until she became ill, Director of the Men’s Choir. As Church Secretary she was the Pastor’s “boss”, always making sure she “had his back”. Carol was also a member of the American Legion Post 43 Auxiliary.
Queenie would be the first to tell you that she wasn’t interested in marriage. That was before she met Fred. Their unconventional meeting could only be described as God’s divine plan at work and on December 21, 1996, Queenie married Fred C. Baxter, Jr. They adored each other and affectionately called each other “Babe” or “Boo” on good days and bad. A line from a movie which seems to define their relationship is: “You complete me”. They seemed to complete each other’s lives and one only had to spend a very little time with the two of them to see the love they shared.
Queenie was known to all for her out-spoken, no nonsense attitude which was always tempered with love, even as she told you to “snap out of it” or “get lost”. In such a large family she learned early how to be tough or soft as the circumstance warranted and when required was able to use the “meanie Queenie” manner or give you the grin, which meant all is well. She was a faithful Christian and dedicated much of her time to her church and church family. As a church, First Baptist will so sorely miss her clear, strong voice, which was unmistakable as the choir marched in. She was always a loyal friend and often acted as her family’s liaison, keeping “the clan” intact and acting as everybody’s “personal secretary” and confidante. Carol had a great sense of humor and was mischievous in the way she would get something started (especially when she teamed up with her brother, Robert), getting everybody worked up and then step back and watch the fall out while laughing hysterically and playing the innocent. Everyone, at one time or another, heard these “Carolisms”: “…wait a minute…”; “…we ain’t doin that…”; “I need some hot sauce.”; and “Y’all need to get yourselves together.” These will be fondly remembered by her traveling companion and buddy, brother Eddie.
Carol Baxter’s life is one to be celebrated. Although we will miss her everyday, she will remain in our hearts forever. She has given each one of us some very special and personal memories to hold on to and it has been a privilege to know her. Collectively, and maybe selfishly, our hearts hurt knowing we’ll never see that grin or hear that voice again, but our spirits soar knowing that she is Home with her Father. We’ve known greatness. Queenie’s final resting place is at Restland Memorial Park in Hanover, NJ, where she lies on a gentle slope under a big tree “near the cross” … perfect.
“What’s in the bag?” Making Strides with brother, Robert Making Strides Against Breast Cancer October 15, 2006
After Glow I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one. I’d like to leave an after glow of smiles when day is done. I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways. Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun Of happy memories that I leave behind when day is done.
I’m Free Don’t grieve for me, now I’m free. I am following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard His call. I turned my back and I left it all. I could not stay another day to laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way. I’ve found the peace at the close of the day. If my parting has left a void then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss. Ah, yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow. I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full. I savored so much – good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief. Don’t lengthen it with undo grief. Lift up your heart and share with me. God wanted me now – he set me free.
