Willie Ann Dotson Baird, age 87 of Watseka, was called to her heavenly home on Monday, October 21, 2024. She was a beloved mother, wife, sister, daughter, aunt, teacher, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Ann was born on April 2, 1937 in Clintwood, VA in the Appalachian Mountains where she spent her formative years. Young Willie Ann always wanted to be an educator; after graduating as valedictorian, she went on to major in education at Berea College in Berea, KY and then returned to serve her community as a teacher at Clintwood H.S. After marriage, she continued her career at Onarga H.S. and later at Unit 9 in Watseka from where she retired. Throughout her remarkable career that spanned thirty-five years, she was known for her hard work, dedication, and passion for helping her students.
But more than anything, Ann was devoted to her family. She was married to Albert Gene Baird of LaFollette, TN for almost fifty-three years. A few months after their Christmas Eve wedding, the happy couple moved to Onarga, IL where their first son, Brian, was born. A year later, they purchased a home on Mulberry Street in Watseka, IL where their second son, Joe, was born two years later. Ann’s devotion to her family extended to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was always present to offer guidance, support, comfort, and encouragement, no matter what challenges her family members faced.
Ann was an active member of Trinity Church. She appreciated the relationships that she cultivated in that loving community of faith. She also appreciated the influence of Trinity on her family throughout the years.
Ann was preceded in death by her husband, A. Gene Baird; her mother, Rosa Mae Dotson; her father, Nade Jennings Dotson; her younger sister, Mabel Lynch; her brother, Rev. N. N. Jennings Dotson; her sister-in-law, Ruth Dotson; her brother-in-law, Tommy Mullins; and her niece, Priscilla Lynch.
Mrs. Baird is survived by her loving sister, Versie Mullins of Virginia; her son, Dr. Brian Baird of Plymouth, IN; her ex-daughter-in-law, Laura Baird; her son, Mr. Joe Baird of Houston, TX; her son-in-law, Lacidez Mercado Gomez; and family friend, Duane Treybig. Grandma Baird doted over her five grandchildren: Stefan (Samantha), Brandon, Jasmine, Autumn, and Quintyn. In addition, Great-grandma Baird enjoyed her five great-grandchildren Addilynn, Gabriel, Maverick, Charlotte, and Zoe. Aunt Ann is also survived by her nephews Anthony, Newl, and Chris, and her nieces Teresa, Tamala, and Cecilia. Her legacy of love, dedication, and faith will be treasured by all who knew her.
A celebration of life will be held at Trinity Church in Watseka on Saturday, October 26. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. directly followed by her funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Ryan Mustered officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).
Arrangements by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.
Please share a memory of Ann at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
