Zenola Timberlake Stevens

Zenola Madena Timberlake Stevens “Zee Zee” formally of Richmond (Henrico County) Virginia, joined our heavenly Father on May 25, 2011. Zenola was born June 23, 1956 to Emma Morris Timberlake and the late Samuel R. Timberlake in Richmond, Virginia. At an early age, Zenola accepted Christ at Zion Travelers Baptist Church in Louisa County, Virginia. As an adolescent Zenola always sought for more knowledge. While attending John F Kennedy High School, she was a member of the Student Council from 1973-1974 and a member of the National Honor Society. Zenola graduated with honors and received awards from The Society of Outstanding American High School Students and a certificate of Honor in Foreign Languages. Zenola furthered her education at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College where she obtained her Associates in Science Degree with the ranking of Magna Cum Laude in 1976. While working diligently through college, she volunteered as a tutor at R-Cap in 1977. Later on in 1977, she became a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at Virginia Commonwealth University. In 1978, she majored in Elementary Education and became a student teacher at Laburnum Elementary School. While there, she acquired a membership with the Student National Education Association, and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelors in Science. After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University and with a love for teaching, she became a dedicated employee with Henrico County Public School for 33 years. She received Teacher of the Year for Henrico County Public School and the State of Virginia. In 2001, she joined St. John’s Baptist Church. As a member, she was the president of the Beautification Ministry, a member of the L.B. Kizzie Choir, and expressed her talents through drama and narrating in church activities. In 2009, she decided to further her education and return to Virginia Commonwealth University, where she was studying for her Masters in Educational Technology. Her life’s enjoyments were gardening, sewing, teaching, cooking, shopping, and family time. She was a fun loving person with a bubbly attitude that put her own personal markings in everyone’s heart. She will always be remembered for the wonderful smile she always greeted everyone with along with a warming hug. Full of life, there was never a dull moment with her sense of humor and joyous laughter. She will also be remembered for her love of fashion, purses, jewelry, shoes and most of all her hats. She is preceded in death by her father Samuel R. Timberlake and sister Cynthia T. Booker. She leaves to cherish her memory, a loving and devoted mother, Emma T. Washington; one devoted sister, Crystal W. Nicholson; five step-brothers, Samuel “Scrappy” Claiborne, Alexander Claiborne (Edna), (Maurice Washington (Claire) of NC, Alonzo Washington, Frank Oliver (TX); and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other loving family and friends. …and until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of His hand

Tributes

Zenola Timberlake Stevens

June 23, 1956 - May 25, 2011