Mrs. Mary Hillman Forbus Timberlake's Obituary
On the evening of Tuesday, February 3, 2026 the community quietly lost a bright force of nature. Mary Hillman Forbus Timberlake of Dadeville, Alabama passed away at the age of 85 surrounded by her family, leaving behind memories as vibrant as the colors she brought into every room. She asked for no funeral or burial service, preferring those who loved her to honor her in their own time and in their own way. This obituary offers both an announcement of her passing and a tribute to her life.
Mary Hillman Forbus Timberlake was born on November 12, 1940 in Alexander City, Alabama to Mary Ida Adamson Forbus and Hillman Franklin Forbus. Mary is survived by her husband of 63 years Samuel Irwin Timberlake, Sr.; children Samuel Irwin Timberlake, Jr., Anne-Marie (Stokes) Jones, John Hillman (Fen Gao) Timberlake; 9 grandchildren Irwin Lee Timberlake, Nancy Hillman (Whit) Whittelsey, Joseph Walker (Lacey) Timberlake, Maria Claire Timberlake, Madison Ellis Hanscom, Merideth Erin Hanscom, Holden Stokes Jones, Hope Stanford Jones, and Jackson Gao Timberlake; and 4 great-grandchildren Clella Ann Whittelsey, Hillman Esther Whittelsey, Betsy Jane Timberlake, and Joseph Walker Timberlake, Jr.. She is also survived by her two sisters, Glenda Forbus Sandusky and Libby Forbus Tedder.
After graduating from Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City Alabama, Mary attended Auburn University where she received degrees in Home Economics and English Education. In 1961, while at Auburn University, she was elected Homecoming Queen. She was a member of Chi Omega sorority and later served as president of the Chi Omega Alumnae Association.
During her senior year at Auburn, she met and married Sam Timberlake, who also attended Auburn University. After graduation, they moved to St. Louis for Sam to pursue his career. It was here where Mary began her teaching career where she taught for 2 years at The Wilson School. She then took a break from teaching for several years to raise her three children. During this time, they moved to Auburn, Alabama, where Sam was a professor/artist in residence in the Auburn University Department of Music. Mary became very involved as a faculty wife and enjoyed volunteering in various ways to support the music department. She also hosted a bridge club as a member of the Auburn Campus Club.
Several years later, Mary resumed her teaching career when the family moved to Dadeville. She taught English at Reeltown High School for 3 years. She taught English and Art Appreciation at Dadeville High School and Council Middle School for 26 years. Generations of students who are now adults remember “Mrs. Timberlake”. When she encountered them in various places later in life, they always greeted her with a smile and a humorous anecdote of their experience with her.
After retiring, Mary served as secretary of TCERA (Tallapoosa County Educational Retirement Association). She also participated in EIA, Educators In Action for several years. During her years of retirement, Mary had more time to pursue art, which was one of her favorite activities. She was a member of Artist Association of Central Alabama (AACA), a member of Champagne Artists in Dadeville, a member of Everything’s Art!, and a member of Lake Martin Creativity Group. She also participated for several years in the Sarah Towery Art Colony on Lake Martin.
Mary was a member of Dadeville First United Methodist Church. In the earlier years when the family moved to Dadeville, she taught Sunday school classes and played piano during vacation bible school activities.
Mary asks that in lieu of flowers, donations or memorials may be made to Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin, 434 Children’s Harbor Drive, Eclectic, AL, 36024.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary Hillman?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary Hillman?
Share a story where Mary Hillman's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary Hillman you’ll never forget.
How did Mary Hillman make you smile?