Cuthbert, Georgia (June 8, 1900 – March 5, 1945) age 44 yrs

Lena Baker was an African American maid in Cuthbert, Georgia convicted of capital murder of her white employer, Ernes Knight. She was executed by the state of Georgia in 1945. Baker was the only woman in Georgia to be executed by electrocution. Lena Baker, who had a sixth-grade education, stated publicly her innocence to the very end. “What I did, I did in self-defense,” she said in her final statement. “I have nothing against anyone. I am ready to meet my God.” In 2005, the parole Board granted Baker a full and unconditional pardon.