Maria Torres Timberlake

Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother

Maria was born in León, Mexico, and came to the US as a toddler, growing up in the small town of Gridley, in Northern California. After high school, she moved to Oakland, where she met her future husband, Ed, while he was in the Coast Guard and stationed across the Bay in San Francisco. She moved to the East Coast when they were married. They lived in Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware before settling in Raleigh, where they lived for over fifty years.

Maria and Ed raised three children: Edith, Becky, and Ed Jr. While Ed traveled often for his work, Maria kept the household running on her own. Over the years, she also worked as a bank teller, real estate broker, relocation specialist for Caterpillar, and a docent at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. She was especially proud to earn her bachelor’s degree in History from NC State University in her fifties.

A woman of faith and action, Maria volunteered extensively at St. Raphael Catholic Church, offering her time, talents, and heart to a variety of ministries and serving as a steadfast advocate for Hispanic parishioners.

Maria had many talents and interests. She was an avid gardener and an accomplished seamstress, and she nurtured a lifelong love of reading—especially history. More than anything, she treasured her family. She was happiest at lively family “fiestas,” surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Known for her generosity and hospitality, she hosted Sunday dinners for years, welcoming not only family but also a rotating cast of friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, and roommates. Everyone was welcome at Maria’s table, and she will be missed by the many, many people who loved her.

Maria was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Lee Timberlake, Sr. Maria is survived by her children: Edith Timberlake Davis (Darryl – deceased), Rebecca Timberlake Taylor, Edward Lee Timberlake, Jr. (Laurie)

Grandchildren: Kristen Allene Taylor Puryear (Charles), 1st Lt. Hunter Cole Davis, U.S. Air Force, Matthew Ottoway Outlaw Timberlake, Elias Henry Timberlake, Milo Kidd Timberlake Edward Maximilian Timberlake

Great-grandchildren: Charles Edward Puryear III, Taylor Alexander Puryear, Jackson Anthony Puryear

A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 11, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. at: Brown-Wynne Funeral Home 1701 E Millbrook Road

Raleigh, NC 27609

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. at: Saint Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church

5801 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC 27609

Visitation with the family 30 minutes before and after

A committal service will follow at 3:30 p.m. at: Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27612

In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to PBS NC or NC Food Bank