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RES-2020-043 2 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> RESOLUTION HONORING AND REMEMBERING <br /> DONNA BAKER <br /> CLERK TO THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> WHEREAS, Donna Baker, Clerk to the Orange County Board of Commissioners, passed away <br /> unexpectedly at her home in Orange County on July 31, 2020; and <br /> WHEREAS, Donna Baker was appointed Clerk to the Board in June 2002 and served as Clerk <br /> for over 18 years; and <br /> WHEREAS, after graduating from Clemson University with Honors in 1978, Ms. Baker built a <br /> lifelong career of community service from her early work with parents and children in need at <br /> The Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill, to positions with Georgetown, SC County <br /> Government, and to Clerk to the Orange County Board of Commissioners; and <br /> WHEREAS, Donna was blessed with and continually expressed love and support for her two <br /> children — Jeremy and CeCe; and <br /> WHEREAS, Donna loved Orange County and at the same time claimed a lifetime fondness for <br /> Pawley's Island, South Carolina where she spent many years and vacations on the beach <br /> enjoying the beautiful sunshine and relaxation of the South Carolina sea, sound, and surf; and <br /> WHEREAS, Donna served the residents of Orange County and a total of 18 different members <br /> of the Board of Commissioners as a dependable, smart, dedicated, steadfast, and calming spirit; <br /> and <br /> WHEREAS, former County Commissioner Moses Carey commented, "She was so good to all of <br /> us. She treated County residents with special warmth when they came to her for help. She was <br /> a real friend and dedicated public servant, especially to the Board of Orange County <br /> Commissioners;" and <br /> WHEREAS, former County Commissioner and North Carolina State Senator Valerie Foushee <br /> shared, "I knew Donna for 40 years, and she remained the same person for that entire period of <br /> time: bright, respectful and caring. She was the most trusted, respected county employee during <br /> my time as a commissioner, and I suspect to the end. She made every commissioner feel like <br /> he/she was her favorite. That's a gift;" <br /> NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, <br /> on behalf of County residents, officials and employees, honor and remember Donna Baker for <br /> her spirit, her energy and her innumerable contributions to Orange County and beyond; and <br /> BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board extends its condolences to Jeremy, CeCe, and all <br /> of Donna's family and friends; and <br /> BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of County Commissioners <br /> expresses its sincerest appreciation and commends Donna Baker for her lifetime of service. <br /> This the 1st day of September, 2020. <br /> Penny Rich, Chair <br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners <br />