Mary Lee Barber Timpton

Mary Lee Barber Timpton’s life began on May 8, 1921 in Tchula, Mississippi. She was the youngest child of Willie Mae Grace Barber and Nelson Charles Barber. Following her family’s move to Maywood, Illinois, Mary continued upon the almost 100 year journey of a life full of love, grace, beauty, and dedication that we now celebrate. As a young woman, Mary studied fashion and prided herself on her many original designs she created and wore in her social endeavors. She also enjoyed designing and sewing clothing for her family and friends. She had an immense appreciation of traveling and the arts and enjoyed creating her own pieces as well as purchasing prized pieces from around the world with her husband for their extensive collection. She loved dancing and when she was not dancing, she took pleasure in watching people dance. As a voracious reader she enjoyed fiction and nonfiction literature. In addition to her love of reading she enjoyed and produced a vast array of ceramic pieces, macramé, crochet and knitting of clothing and wall hangings. She also loved her plants and flowers and always had dogs as companions. While managing a household of six children, she was also instrumental in helping her husband Dr. Richard Timpton run a successful medical practice. She had a keen eye for detail and a sharp business sense with a no-nonsense approach. She was also active in and helped charter many organizations geared toward providing an outlet for fellowship, service and education in the community. As a den mother for the Boy Scouts and a member of Jack and Jill of America, she helped to provide an outlet for her children and herself to establish lifelong connections, skills and in many cases, friends. Determined to give her children many experiences and opportunities, she was instrumental in sponsoring tennis camps, swimming lessons and small theatrical productions for the youth in the Pontchartrain Park community. Mary was a charter member of the New Orleans Chapters of Smart Set, The Girlfriends, Tufts, The Pontchartrain Chapter of the Links, Inc. and the Circlets. She was also a member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the National Medical Association and the Archousa, spouse of a member of the Alpha Alpha Boule’ social club. On a beautiful Sunday morning, January 31, 2021, Mary was called home to join her beloved husband Richard H. Timpton, Sr., M.D. She was also preceded in death by her son, Richard H. Timpton, Jr., her daughter Barbara Timpton Ware, her brother, John Barber, Sr., sister, Linner Barber Davis, and son-in-law, Irvin A. Jones. Left to carry on her legacy are her remaining five children: Rhoda Eileen Timpton, Marilyn Timpton Jones, Richard H. (Paulette) Timpton, III, Wanda Gail Timpton, M.D., Don G. (Bridgitte) Timpton, D.D.S. and Son-in-law, John R. Ware. Her grandchildren: Maurice (Kim) Ware, Anthony (Dalaina) Ware, and Major Tselane P. Ware, Nyeemah Jones Wright, Imani Jones, Ashi (Jessica) Jones, Charlotte Holt, Temara Holt, Robrielle Jemison, Rhaina Jemison, India Timpton and Saadia Timpton. Also including great grandchildren: Luxury Kemp, Chayse-Richard Lajoie, Trevor Spivey, Addison Spivey, Nina Ware, SophiaWare, Aurora Ware and Riley Gresham. Nieces: Jeanel Acklin, Gloria Barber Williams, Mabelline Barber, Marsha Ann Barber, Glenda Timpton, Suzanne Timpton, nephew, John Barber, Jr., and a bonus child Kevin Middleton, Sr. She also is survived by a host of great nephews, nieces, close friends and extended family who also hold a special place in her story. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Drive- Through for Mrs. Mary Lee Barber Timpton from 2:00 pm through 4:00 pm on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70125. The family will host a funeral at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 13, 2021 Franklin Ave Baptist Church, 2515 Franklin Ave on Saturday, February 13, 2021. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Please join us by Livestream at www.facebook.com/D.W.RhodesFuneralHome/live. As mandated by the State of Louisiana due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance is limited. Everyone is required to adhere to all restrictions. You must wear a face mask at all times and practice social distancing. Interment: St. Patrick Cemetery. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, New Orleans, LA 70125. In lieu of flowers please send all donations to the Dr. Richard and Mrs. Mary Timpton Scholarship Fund at Dillard University. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook, share memories, and condolences for the family.