Roberta Potts Timberlake

Roberta Potts Timberlake (Gladys Roberta Potts) passed peacefully at home at the age of 97 on July 30, 2021, in Loxahatchee, Florida. Roberta was born in Huntsville, Arkansas on January 7, 1924 to Mary Ethel Cannaday and William Towne Potts.

Roberta was the second of five children and was predeceased by her brothers Robert (Iva), Jack (Ruby), and William “Billy” (Joan) and her sister Barbara (Robert).

Roberta was valedictorian of her high school class, but was unable to attend her graduation ceremony in order to take a position in Washington, DC, as a civil servant for the Department of the Navy in support of World War II.

She met her late husband Grady Walker Timberlake, Jr, who also worked for the Department of the Navy, and they fell in love and wed October 5, 1946. Roberta and Grady had 4 children: Dr. Gregory Alan Timberlake (Catherine Sue), James Michael Timberlake (Linda), Stephen Edward Timberlake, and Barbara Jeanne Timberlake. Roberta had one beloved granddaughter Constance Odessa Butterworth (Christopher) and two great-grandchildren Charlotte Marie and William “Liam” Clayton who she adored.

Roberta lead a life of service. After her career as a civil servant, she was a teacher’s aide for the Arlington County, VA School System, teaching 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grade English as a Second Language (ESOL), as well as remedial English and Math. She was also the resident manager of the River House Apartments in Arlington, VA.

In addition to her service to her community and church, she was ahead of her time by coaching and even refereeing her sons’ little league baseball team.

When she finally retired she spent her time dedicated to her community and church. Roberta served as a member and Chairman for the Arlington Commission on Aging. She was instrumental in bringing STAR, the paratransit component of Arlington transit, to Arlington. She also was heavily involved in the development of the “Elder Mentor Program” at Gunston Middle School. She served as a non attorney member of the board for Legal Services of Northern Virginia. She also served as a volunteer election official for Arlington County.

Roberta was an elder at Arlington Presbyterian Church where she served in many roles, including, Church Secretary, Christian Educator, and Disperser.

Roberta was an avid gardener and had a passion for music, especially playing the piano and organ. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, needlework, traveling, and journaling about her adventures. She enjoyed completing the Washington Post crossword puzzle daily, in pen.

Roberta spent the last part of her life in South Florida enjoying the sunshine and doting on her great grandchildren.

Friends are welcome to gather in remembrance of Roberta at Murphy’s funeral home on Sunday August 8 between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday August 9 at Christ Presbyterian Church located at 12410 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax, VA 22033 followed by interment at National Memorial Park.

Memorial donations in memory of Roberta P. Timberlake may be made to:

Legal Services of Northern Virginia, the largest legal aid organization in Virginia, which serves the region’s low-income and neediest populations by providing volunteer legal advice, brief services, and representation in administrative hearings and in court; delivering community legal education; and partnering with other community agencies, task forces, and coordinated response teams to find innovative solutions to broader problems.