Lady (McCormick) Baesman passed away Friday, March 1, 2013 at the age of 82 at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia from complications related to her fight with Parkinson’s Disease. She had moved to Atlanta to be closer to family.
Born in Proctorville, Ohio in 1931 to the late Carl and Ruby McCormick, she was a graduate of Proctorville High School and Marshall College, where she earned an A.B. Degree in Music while a member of the Delta Omicron music honorary society. Lady was a Jennings Scholar at Ohio University and earned a Master’s in Music Supervision from Marshall University. She enjoyed a 36-year career teaching vocal music in the Jackson City Schools and becoming a lifetime member of the Ohio Education Association.
Lady was a member of Christ United Methodist Church where she organized the first Cherub Choir. Her involvement in the community touched many lives. She was the recipient of the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce’s Community Pride Award and the Lions Club’s Helen Keller Award.
She will be remembered most for her tireless commitment to cancer advocacy and volunteerism with the American Cancer Society. A breast cancer survivor herself, her work with the local Relay for Life grew into Board participation with the local Jackson County Unit and subsequently the Ohio Division where she was named Trustee Emeritus. During her years of service, she received numerous awards including the National Advocacy Award and St. George Medal – the highest honor bestowed on a volunteer.
Survived by her son Jon (Jennifer) and two grandchildren who reside in Atlanta, she was preceded in death by Dean, her husband of 36 years; and, her infant brother Charles.
The family will receive friends at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral home located at 28 Harding Avenue on Sunday, March 10 from 2 to 7 p.m. A viewing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday, March 11 at Christ United Methodist Church located at 150 Portsmouth Street. Funeral services will start at 11 a.m. with interment following at Fairmount Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society, Jackson County Relay for Life, c/o Roxie Underwood, 103 North David Avenue, Jackson, Ohio 45640