Gertrude Timberlake

A LIFE WELL LIVED Gertrude Timberlake known as “Aunt Gertie” to most and “Gertie” to others, was born on March 31, 1922 in Uniontown, Alabama. Gertie was the eldest of thirteen children born to George Starks, Jr. and Narcissie (Ward) Starks. Gertie moved to Fort Wayne in 1949 and lived with relatives who helped her acclimate to living up north. After settling in, Gertie married Mose Timberlake, Sr., who preceded her in death. Gertie relished her role as matriarch and for many years she served as the “hub” of the Starks family; aiding and assisting several siblings, nieces and nephews, with employment, housing, and general support as they too relocated to Fort Wayne. Family meant EVERYTHING to Gertie (especially the boys). Even at 101 years old, Gertie was able to recall the names and birthdates of all her nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Following her family on Facebook and talking on the phone for hours was how she kept up with the latest news. Gertie gave her life to Christ and was baptized at an early age at Woodlawn Baptist Church in Uniontown, AL. She joined Pilgrim Baptist Church where she was a member for 70 plus years. She consistently attended Sunday School, served on the Adult Usher Board, and was an original member of the Sympathy Workers who supported bereaved families. Gertie eventually joined First National Baptist Church under the leadership of Howard Starks, Sr. (a nephew of course) where she remained a faithful member until her passing. Gertie experienced and/or witnessed a lot of historic events in her lifetime. Born during Jim Crow, Gertie experienced the tragedies of lynchings and the murder of George Floyd, the devastation of smallpox and COVID-19, the Great Depression, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the triumphs of Jesse Owens, Jackie Robinson, and the election of President, Barack Obama. Her employment journey highlights the direction of progress as well. Although starting as a part time cook, in 1983 Gertie made a little history of her own by becoming the first African American to retire from Lutheran Hospital with 25 years of service. She was the Production Manager of Nutritional Services. She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Sylvia Page of Roanoke, IN; son Mose Timberlake, Jr.; grandchildren Gregory Starks, Madison Page, Jordan Page, JoShonda Bonner, Joseph Timberlake, Jr. JoVonn Timberlake, JoNita Johnson, Ronda Timberlake all of Fort Wayne, IN; Tizzie Timberlake of Colorado Springs, CO, Mary Daniels, Williams Daniels of Vincennes, IN, and LeAnthony Daniels, of Indianapolis, IN; siblings Bertha Carter, Uniontown, AL, Dorothy Dixie, Fort Wayne, IN; aunt Callie Bates, Fort Wayne, IN; uncles Bishop Eugene “Manson” Starks, Birmingham, AL, McArthur Starks, and Roosevelt Starks, Fort Wayne, IN; special cousin James “Ted” Starks; special friends Alice Hall, Lovelee Johnson, Gladys Hagler, all of Fort Wayne, IN, and a countless number of family and friends. Gertie was preceded in death by her husband, Mose Timberlake Sr., parents, Narcissie and George Starks Jr., son, Joseph Timberlake, Sr., daughter, Glory Daniels; siblings, Howard Starks, Sr., Fred Starks, Sr., Sylvester Starks, Jesse Starks, Georgia Mae Chandler, Nettie Starks, Lewis Starks, Sr., Aurelia Hatcher, Hardus Starks, and Catherine Burch; grandchildren, Stacy and Tambra Timberlake. A Celebration of Life Service will be at 11:00 AM Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 1331 Gay Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46803 with visitation from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the church. She will be laid to rest in Highland Park Cemetery, 2403 Wallen Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.mccombandsons.com for the Timberlake family.