Josephine W. Baird

Josephine W. Baird went to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on Wednesday, April 15, 2015. She was born on July 11, 1931 in Guatemala City, Guatemala to Luis Augusto Wittig and Pearl Frances Smith Wittig. Jo immigrated to the United States in 1947 to attend boarding high school in Berea, KY. There she met her future husband, James Robert Baird. Jo was proud to become a naturalized American citizen in 1954.
She graduated from Berea College and from Appalachian State University with a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitative Psychology. Jo retired after thirty-four years as an employee of Vocational Rehabilitation at Broughton Hospital.
Jo loved her church, Burkemont Baptist. After she was widowed in 1983, her church family became a second family. Pastor Eddy Bunton, Deacon Ned Shuping and Sunday School teachers, Allen and Linda Calhoun were especially dear to her.
Jo spoke her mind and believed in hard work. She was feisty and had a positive attitude. Jo loved to travel, had a keen mind and was intellectually curious. She was an avid Carolina basketball supporter. Living at Grace Ridge Retirement Community enriched her life. No pound cake on earth was as good as Jo’s home-made pound cake. Within her family, it was legendary.
Jo was predeceased by her parents, her sisters, Betty Wittig and Frances Loken, her husband, James Robert Baird, a stillborn son, and a beloved grandson, William Baird Greene. Left to cherish her memory and to appreciate the life lessons she taught are her daughters, Bobbie Baird Greene (David), Sandy B. Crusco (Mike) and son, Bruce Baird (Donna). Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She is survived by her grandson, Matthew Crusco and five granddaughters, Elisabeth Greene, Katherine Crusco, Kristen Crusco, Sarah Baird and Casey Baird. She loved keeping up with their lives and accomplishments.
Jan and Roy Walters, friends for over sixty years, were her angels on earth. The family would also like to thank Mary Hudspeth for her loving friendship and support. Jo played bridge in the same bridge club for almost sixty years.
Visitation will take place at Burkemont Baptist Church on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 10:00. The funeral will follow at 11:00. Dr. David Mills and Pastor Eddy Bunton will officiate. Interment will be at Burke Memorial Park. Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family.
Memorial contributions made be made to Habitat for Humanity of Burke County, 305 West Union Street, Morganton, NC 28655. Jo was a faithful volunteer there for many years.