HOUSTON (ABP) — Prominent Baptist philanthropist Eula Mae Baugh died Aug. 29 after suffering a stroke several days earlier. She was 89.
Baugh and her husband, John, who died in March, are known for their support of Baptist efforts, including those of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, Baylor University, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Baptist University of the Americas, Houston Baptist University, Baptist Child & Family Services, and the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty.
John Baugh was founder of Sysco Corporation in 1969, which has become North America's leading foodservice marketer and distributor, with $30.3 billion in annual sales and 47,500 employees.
The Baughs have donated funds toward more than 20 programs and projects at Baylor throughout the years. In 1989, the Baughs established the John F. Baugh Center for Entrepreneurship in Baylor's Hankamer School of Business, which supports the theory of family-owned business.
“Mrs. Baugh was a great Christian raised in a pastor's home,” said Charles Wade, executive director of the BGCT. “She was a true partner with her husband, John, in building their business and in growing their churches and in her role as wife and mother. She was truly an example of great Baptist women who have given so much to help our churches and our institutions touch the lives of people across Texas and the world.”
The Baughs were awarded the title Alumnus Honoris Causa, the highest Baylor honor to non-alumni. The couple was among the founding benefactors of Baylor's George W. Truett Theological Seminary, which began in 1994 with 51 students in classes at First Baptist Church in Waco, Texas. In 1997, the Baughs provided the lead gift to construct a permanent home for Truett Seminary.
In 2002, the 64,000-square-foot Baugh-Reynolds Campus of Truett Seminary held its first classes and now encompasses a student body of more than 380 students.
“Eula Mae Baugh will be fondly remembered at Baylor University for her gracious and gentle spirit and her deep commitment to her family and her Christian faith,” Baylor President John Lilley said. “Her husband once said that his one distinction was being married to Eula Mae. From their more than 70-year marriage to their faithful support of Baylor, the Baugh's dedication to the things they found important sets a good example for us as we continue to pursue excellence in Baptist higher education.”
Baptist University of the America's new campus is set to be called the Baugh Family Campus in honor of the family's commitment to the school. And the Eula Mae Baugh Student Center has already been established at Houston Baptist University.
“This very day I visited the Baugh Student Center and saw a wonderful place that is a blessing for our students. It reflects the love and compassion of Eula Mae Baugh and will for years to come,” Robert Sloan, president of HBU, said.
Brent Walker, the executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee indicated that Baugh's dedication to the Baptist Joint Committee made a difference across the country.
“We are saddened to learn of the death of Mrs. Baugh,” he said. “A godly woman, wife and mother, she was the lifeblood of the Baugh family. … Certainly, the Baugh family's ardent support of the BJC has bolstered the cause of religious liberty. She now, again, joins her husband of seven decades, and God.”
Baugh taught Sunday School classes for more than 60 years, spending as many as 25 hours a week preparing each lesson. She taught classes of college students, teens, singles and adults.
Baugh is survived by her daughter, Babs Baugh, and her husband, John Jarrett of San Antonio; her granddaughter Jackie Moore and her husband, Kim Moore, of San Antonio; her granddaughter Julie Ortiz and her husband, Carlos Ortiz, of Austin; her great grandchildren; her brother; and three sisters.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sept. 1 at Tallowood Baptist Church in Houston.
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