Alfaretta Baker (affectionately known as “Freida”), our bold, and beautifully unapologetic matriarch, was called home on Monday morning, April 21, 2025, at the age of 95— though she’d never admit it.

Born on August 5, 1929, in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, to the late Cora-Belle Cuthbertson Black and Sidney Johnson Black, Alpharetta was a woman ahead of her time — sharp-witted, street-smart, and never caught without her heels, make-up, and fur just right. She didn’t just walk into a room — she arrived.

She attended Johnson C. Smith University and completed her studies at North Carolina A&T State University, where she became a proud and loyal Aggie. A longtime nurse’s aide by trade, Freida brought her signature flair, hustle, and humor to every part of her life. She wasn’t one to sugarcoat, but her wisdom was golden, and her stories? Legendary. Travel was her love language, and football was her pastime. As a dedicated NC A&T season ticket holder, she followed her team near and far, always repping her blue and gold with pride (and style).

Alpharetta was preceded in death by her children, Sidney (Phyllis) and Mildred. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a tight circle of extended family and lifelong friends who know that the world just got a little less fabulous without her in it.

~She never told her age — but she sure made the years count.