Margaret Emmagene Baker

Baker, Margaret Emmagene (Age 93) of Odenton, Maryland

Margaret “Emmagene” Thomas Baker of Odenton, Maryland entered into eternal rest on July 15, 2026. Emmagene was born on November 14,1932 in Indian Head, MD to the late William McKinley Thomas Sr. and the late Emma Gutrick. Emmagene was affectionately remembered as Mama, Moms, Banny, Emmagene, Gene, Aunt Gene, and Ms. Baker.

Emmagene was educated in Charles County Public schools, graduating from Pomonkey High School. In 1951 Emmagene was proud to be crowned Queen Astoria (The Tobacco Queen) at the second Annual Colored Fair held at the Charles County Fair Grounds. Emmagene aspired to be a teacher and attended Bowie State Teachers College.

Emmagene began her working career at the Maryland State Department and then to the Naval Ordnance Station in Indian Head, MD and then to the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC where she worked as a civil servant from 1964 to 1995 when she retired.

When Emmagene was younger, she was always known for being a sharp dresser and keeping up with fashion trends, wearing dresses made and designed by her big sister Elizabeth. In her earlier years Emmagene was a free spirit, like a wildflower growing wild and experiencing life to the fullest. We all have some memories of the uncharted paths that she chose and the fancy cars that she used to drive. Emmagene was a proud woman, who stood tall and firm on her convictions. In the autumn of her life, as the wildflower petals gently dissipated, Emmagene settled down and blossomed into a soft pink rose. She enjoyed watching the daily soap operas and chatting with family and friends and shopping. Emmagene used to collect angels and had a fondness for fine jewelry and art. Many will fondly remember her from-scratch Five Flavored pound cake. Emmagene loved company and always enjoyed visiting with friends and family.

In addition to her parents, Emmagene was preceded in death by her first husband, Sumner T. Brooks and her Second husband Jerome A. Baker, daughter Nadine Frazier, siblings and their spouses: Anna Davis (George), Francis (Effie), McKinley Jr. (Gladys), Agnes Barnes (Theodore), Margaret Marshall (Cecil), Mary Elizabeth Thomas -Willis (Ederson), Mildred Theresa Taylor (Henry), William Thomas (Mary) and James Thomas (Louise), and brother-in-law Rufus Outerbridge, Jr.

She also leaves to mourn her daughter Tina C Briscoe (Tyrone), Granddaughters Benita C. Benson and Michelle E. Travers (Jerome), siblings and their spouses: Gertrude Outerbridge, Philip A. Thomas, Sr. (Virginia), Charles F. Thomas (Gloria), sister-in law Elaine Baker and a host of other relatives and friends.

Her viewing will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 10:00am until prayers/tributes at 10:45am in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00noon, St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 30 Mattingly Avenue, Indian Head, Maryland 20640. Interment St. Charles Cemetery, Glymont, Maryland.