Michael T. Baxter

Michael "Tim" Baxter, a devoted husband and father, went to be with God on November 19, 2025. He was born in Boston, MA on July 1, 1959 to the late, Rev. Parnell Baxter and Betty Baxter. Tim graduated from Boston Trade High School in 1977. He was a master builder from foundation to roofing. His craftsmanship was superior. He moved to Syracuse in 1987. He attended Onondaga Community College and LeMoyne College.

Tim loved his family and children dearly. He raised them to live a life by God’s purposes and not driven by selfishness, fear or ambition. He taught us how to love and support one another, always.

He often spoke of quantum theories and how our very existence and energy determined who and what we are in Christ. We will miss his meticulous and detailed explanations on many subjects. He was highly intelligent. We wish he could’ve shared his knowledge with the world.

He was diagnosed with ALS in 1993. That did not defeat him. He wasn’t afraid of death. He knows God is always with him. Death is “just a stone that his Savior rolled away”. He fought bravely and courageously. We will forever love him.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Parnell Baxter and Betty Baxter; sister, Betty Denise (James) Baxter Green; and brother, George Parnell Baxter.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Marlene E. Baxter Duncan; children, Maya M. (Jamel Mitchell) Baxter, Timothy P. Baxter, Marlene A. (Stephen) Mclean and Medijah M. (Jimmy Pitts) Baxter-Pitts; nine grandchildren, Avah, Joseph, Ayden, Isabella, Timothy, Penelope, Timea, Noah and Melody; seven sisters, Betty Denise (James Green) Baxter-Green, Janis (Joseph) Williams, Gwendolyn Baxter, Maureen (Sedrick) Russell, Norma Jean (Rev. William Miller dec.) Miller, Donna (Tommy) Howard and Margaret (Scott) Davis; seven brothers, George Parnell Baxter, John (Charlene) Baxter, Solomon (Jennifer) Baxter, Jason Baxter, Christopher (Felicia) Baxter, Mark Russell and David Russell; sister-in-law, Marcia Duncan; one brother-in-law, Mark Duncan; Godparents, Herschel and Emma Russell; God siblings, Lorraine Repucci, Connie Spellman and Herschell Russell Jr.; and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025 from 10-12PM, with a service to follow at 12PM, all at Abundant Life Church in the Life Chapel.

To leave a message of condolence for Michael's family, or to share a special memory of Michael, please sign the guestbook below.