Our History

Serving the people of Northeast Tennessee for over eighty-five years, Morris-Baker is the oldest funeral home in Johnson City. The business began in 1915 and was known as Sterchi Undertaking Company, located in downtown Johnson City. Since that time, there have been several moves and changes in ownership, including acquisition by Forrest K. Morris in 1930. When Carson B. Baker, Jr. became the owner in 1966, the name was changed to Morris-Baker Funeral Home. Two years later, in 1968, Morris-Baker moved into the newly constructed building at the present location on Oakland Avenue. Responding to increased requests by families for night funerals and to facilitate multiple visitations, a major addition was completed in 1992, which added a second entrance, chapel, family room, facilities for handicapped, and embalming facilities. Prepared and poised for the future, Morris-Baker continues to strive to give excellent service and maintain the highest standards.

Our Family

Morris-Baker has long been a locally owned and operated funeral home, and continues under the ownership of Carson B. Baker, Jr. and his family. In 1985, Mr. Baker's daughter, Harriet E. Baker, joined our firm as a funeral director and ascended to the position of Executive Vice-president. Since that time, Harriet's son, Preston McKee, has joined the firm as a funeral director. Several years of succession planning will ensure that Morris-Baker remains family owned and operated well into the future.