Frankie Lee Timbrook, age 90, passed peacefully in her sleep at Ohana Villa Adult Family Home on Aug. 15. She was born Dec. 1, 1915 in Madison, Mo. to Lela and John Hendren Heathman. Frankie (Babe) was the youngest of 8 born to John “the Sorghum King.” Frankie and her siblings participated at a very early age in the family business, producing sorghum molasses (a thick dark syrup from sugar cane). Her life also evolved around Pleasant Green School, a one-room schoolhouse for grades 1-8. She maintained a membership all of her life at the Pleasant Green Baptist Church.

Frankie married Joseph Timbrook on Dec. 21, 1935 and settled in Mexico, Mo. prior to Joe’s death Jan. 18, 1966. She remained in her home there for 45 years. On April 10, 1971, Frankie married Lewis Timbrook (Joe’s cousin). Lewis lived only one year after their marriage.

Frankie was employed by Florsheim Shoe Company for 27 years. After retiring, she enjoyed gardening and quilting. She also volunteered her time aiding elderly neighbors and family by cooking, cleaning, writing letters and doing anything she could to improve their quality of life. Frankie moved to Oak Harbor in November, 1997 to be near her daughter and grandson.

She is survived by her daughter, Joanne Lee McDaniel and husband Fred McDaniel, Jr. of Oak Harbor, grandson, William B. Lee and great-granddaughter, Cari Lee of Hansville, WA, great-granddaughter, Heather Lee of North Carolina, great-granddaughte, Megan Berlin and great great-granddaughter, Holly Mae Berlin of Anacortes, stepson, Eddie Timbrook and wife Shirley and sons Wilburn, Joe, Lance, Eric and daughter Tara of Clarence, Mo. Nieces, Doris Heathman House of Houston, Texas, Betty Bogie of St. Peters, Mo. and Bonnie Lou Gunn of Moberly, Mo., nephews, Junior Near of Madison, Mo., Vernon Heathman of Humble, Texas, Leroy Heathman of Houston, Texas and Ronnie Mallory of Moberly, Mo.

Frankie was preceded in death by her son, Larry Timbrook, at 8 years of age in 1951 and her granddaughter, Jana Ellen Lee, age 39 in February, 2006.

A memorial service will be held at Burley Funeral Chapel on Monday, Aug. 21 at 6 p.m. The family suggests in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Pleasant Green Baptist Church, 511 North Main, Madison, MO 65263.