Nilda Joven Timbs

She was born in Cotobato, Philippines, the eldest child of Jose Joven MD and Felicidad Galang, a pharmacist.

Her early childhood was marked by the ravages of World War II.

She was a gifted student – graduating from elementary school at age 10, valedictorian of her high school class at 14, and earned her BSE (cum laude) from the University of the Philippines (UP) at 18.

She was recruited to the UP Department of Speech and Drama where she taught, acted in and directed plays by O'Neill, Ibsen and Garcia Lorca. Nilda earned an MA in English at the University of Sydney and a PhD in Dramatic Literature at Stanford.

Nilda had a productive second career developing bi-lingual courses, texts and programs for Sullivan Language School, various Bay Area school districts and for BABEL (National Hispanic University).

She then became a writer, manager and director of technical publications in a number of Silicon Valley companies, notably, GRiD, 3Com, Centigram and Sqribe/Brio/Hyperion.

In Van Buren she was a member of St. Michael's Catholic church and was a lector there. She was a volunteer tutor in English at the Literacy Council and for numerous individuals.

She is survived by her husband, John Timbs of the home; her brother, Pedro Joven MD; and her nieces, Leilani Pelletier, Kim King, Nina Faustino; and nephews, Jose Joven, Neil Faustino and Joel King. She was predeceased by the sister, Nieves "Binggay" Faustino.

Funeral mass will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 28, 2017 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Van Buren with cremation to follow, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.

Rosary will be 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Chapel. The family will visit with friends immediately following.

Memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity at 421 Towson Avenue, Fort Smith, 72901; or to Valley Springs Health and Rehabilitation at 228 Pointer Trail West, Van Buren, 72956, a non-profit institution.