2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 238
Celebrating the life of Eva Marie Coles Caldwell Baker.
Agreed to by the Senate, March 10, 2026
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 13, 2026
WHEREAS, Eva Marie Coles Caldwell Baker, a dedicated and compassionate social worker and a dynamic community leader in Charlottesville, died on December 23, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the youngest of five children born to Leroy and Eva Coles, Marie Baker grew up in Buffalo, New York, where she attended local public schools; she continued her education by earning a bachelor's degree from Talladega College in Alabama, a master's degree from Smith College in Massachusetts, and master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work in Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, Marie Baker began her career as a social worker at a children's hospital in Buffalo, then served as an associate professor of social work in Buffalo until she relocated to Washington, D.C., as a professor and assistant dean at the Howard University School of Social Work; and
WHEREAS, Marie Baker married her first husband, the late Arthur D. Caldwell, in 1957, and the couple were active leaders in the community and engaged members of Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church; and
WHEREAS, Marie Baker established the Buffalo Chapter of 100 Black Women and was a life member of the Buffalo (NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, Jack and Jill, Inc., and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; she became the first Black woman in her profession invited to join Zonta International, a nonprofit organization creating opportunities for women and girls around the world; and