Barbara Jean Blue Baker, 81, of Tampa, FL, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025. She was born on April 30, 1944, in Tampa, FL, to John and Adell Blue. Barbara was a beloved sister, daughter, aunt, and a cherished mother and grandmother figure to many, as well as a loyal friend. She met and married George Baker in 1970. Barbara attended the schools of Hillsborough County and graduated from Middleton High School in 1961 and studied cosmetology at Sunlight Beauty School after graduating. In 1963, she became a beautician and part owner and operator of Ruby and Barbara Beauty Parlor on 22nd Street of which she and (late) Mrs. Doretha Graham later became owner and operators of Ruby and Barbara Beauty Parlor.  She was a member of the Tampa Cosmetology Units #1 and #34. For 62 years, she provided care, compassion, wisdom, and quality hair care services to generations of women, their families, and friends. In 1990, she and Mrs. Doretha Graham joined the beauticians at B-Beautiful and became members of the Orange Blossom Cosmetology Association. Barbara continued to provide services to her client until her health declined at age 81. She was "like a marshmallow, firm on the outside and soft on the inside," embodying a strong exterior with a warm, gentle heart. Barbara deeply loved her family and her extended cosmetology family. She was an excellent cook who absolutely enjoyed preparing and sharing meals. She also found joy in reading, watching a variety of sports, gaming, and traveling.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, John C. and Adell Blue; her husband, George Baker; sisters, Amanda Hicks, Thelma Williams, and Louella Hicks; and her brothers, John Blue, Sr. and Sylvester Blue, Sr. She was also preceded by her nephews, Otis Williams, Sr., Fred Hicks, Jr., John "Pookie" Blue, Jr., and Lorenzo "Chuckie" Newson; and her nieces, Sandra Rhone and Tina Williams.

Barbara is survived by her brothers, Leroy Blue, Sr. (Claudine) and James Blue, Sr. (Freddye); and her sister-in-law, Betty Blue, who was like a sister. She is also survived by her nieces: Sheila Williams, Debby Williams, Constance Haywood, Bardine Hicks, Sophia Williams, April Crawford (Cassius), Wanda Blue, Margaret Newson-Smith, Sherrillyne Blue-Fordoms, Barnita Moore (Anton), Keisha Blue, Jhamilla Blue, Tanya Campbell (Tony) and Tammy Freeman; and her nephews: Larry Lemon, Anthony Johnson (Denise), Michael Newson, Gregory Williams, Gainey Hicks, Cavin Williams (Turkessa), James Blue, Jr., Sylvester Blue, Jr. (Tanya), Leroy Blue, Jr. (Gloria), John Blue, Germaine Stewart (Jamila), Alfonso Dougherty and Gary Lewis (Misean). She leaves behind a host of great nieces and nephews. Special friends include Sharon Drummond and family, Beatrice Overstreet, Genia Taylor and family, Deanna Faison and family, neighbor Mrs. Ruth Nettles, and Reginia Larry. Tremendous gratitude and thanks for the outpouring of love and support from B-Beautiful clients. Special thanks to brother/sister-in-law James and Freddye Blue for their dedicated caregiving, and to the Lifepath Hospice Ruby Team. Barbara's warmth, generosity, and unwavering spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.