Lillie Mae Timberlake Burt

She was born on May 1, 1930, to Emanuel and Helen (Bullock) Timberlake. She entered eternal rest peacefully on June 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at home.

She lived a life rooted in faith, family, and unwavering strength. Though she built a loving home in Durham County, her roots ran deep in Granville County. She was educated at G.C. Hawley School and was a devoted member of Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Butner, NC. It was her spiritual home, where she lived for her purpose. Her faith was her foundation. Every Sunday, she made sure each family member was up early to read scripture, with someone chosen to lead prayer.

She was the kind of woman who'd give you her last dollar or the shirt off her back. Her heart knew no limits. She had a remarkable memory: recalling every birthday and phone number without writing them down. Each year, you could count on a joyful birthday song from "Mama" or "Aunt Mae." That deep attention and love defined her.

She was known far and wide for her cooking, the heart of every gathering. You never left hungry and always remembered what you ate. Her sweet potato cobbler and signature pies: chocolate, coconut, and egg custard, were legendary. Her biscuits and soul food were unmatched. Every meal was made with love and served with a story or a smile.

A 54-year breast cancer survivor, she was a fierce advocate for the cause. Lillie Mae lived with resilience and grace. Her strength inspired everyone who knew her, and her love stretched across generations and communities.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Lee Burt Sr.; daughter, Veronica Faye Burt McKinley; grandson, Erik Jamar Burt; and her 7 siblings.

She leaves to cherish her memory: two sons, Ralph Burt Jr. (Mary) and Victor Burt, both of Durham, NC; five daughters, Cynthia Charles of Charlotte, NC, Awanya Davis (Barry) of Durham, NC, Stephanie Evans of Durham, NC, Paula Miller (Roger) of Jacksonville, FL, and Tracey Burt of Durham, NC; eleven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren, all of whom carry her memory, strength, and values. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Ruth Tanner and Lillian Burt, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Lillie Mae embodied Proverbs 31:25–31: clothed in strength and dignity, she spoke with wisdom, watched over her household with care, and lived a life worthy of praise, a woman who truly feared the Lord and whose works speak for her even now.

Funeral Arrangements:
Funeral Service: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 | Visitation Service starts at 12:00 noon | Funeral Service at 1:00 pm.

Place of Service: Union Chapel Baptist Church, 901 E F St, Butner, NC 27509

Interment: Oak Grove Memorial Gardens

"We do not own copyrights to the background music."