Bobbie Timmermann

To view LIVESTREAM, click here:

Mrs. Bobbie Timmermann (January 19, 1938 – June 17, 2025)

Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, educator, mentor, coach – “Mrs. T” gave 58 years of her life to Nettleton High School.

Born January 19, 1938, Bobbie Barnell (née Miller) Timmermann was raised in Anderson, Texas, where she early on displayed the warm enthusiasm and steadfast commitment that would define her remarkable life. At the tender age of 6, Bobbie began her teaching experience by “playing school” with her unwilling siblings. Her early education had a lasting impact and played a pivotal role in her decision to become an educator. Even at 87, Bobbie could name every teacher she had from 1st grade through high school.

As important as her teaching career was to her, Bobbie dearly loved and remained committed to her church, All Saints Lutheran Church in Jonesboro. She was baptized into the Lutheran faith in 1938 in Anderson, Texas, and later joined All Saints Lutheran Church after moving to Jonesboro. She cherished her church family and enjoyed serving the congregation whenever possible.

At just 17, she married Dan Timmermann on June 1, 1955, after he completed his undergraduate degree at Texas A&M. Dan began a four-year tour as a commissioned officer in the Air Force, while Bobbie remained committed to her own education—completing her high school diploma through correspondence courses.

The newlyweds were stationed in San Antonio, where they welcomed their first child, Valerie. After Dan’s service, the family spent a year in Seymour, Texas, where Bobbie worked the night shift as a telephone switchboard operator while Dan taught high school science. Seeking further education, the family moved to Columbus, Ohio, where Dan began his graduate studies, and they welcomed their second child, Larry. Back in Seymour, Bobbie resumed switchboard duties while Dan returned to teaching high school science.

In 1964, the family moved to Bryan, Texas, so Dan could begin his doctoral work at Texas A&M. Bobbie worked at the Texas A&M Fiscal Office and took the opportunity to further her own education, enrolling at Texas A&M as part of the first class of women admitted to pursue an undergraduate degree. She humorously recalled being the lone female amid a sea of ROTC cadets—a memory she wore proudly.

After Dan earned his doctorate in 1967, he accepted a faculty position at Arkansas State University, and the family moved to Jonesboro, Arkansas. After many years of supporting her husband’s academic journey, Bobbie was finally able to complete her own undergraduate degree in Business Education at Arkansas State in May of 1968. She later went on to earn her master’s degree in Business there as well.

While completing her student teaching under Amanda Copeland at Nettleton High School in May of 1968, tragedy struck—a tornado leveled the Nettleton Schools. Classes were canceled for the remainder of the school year. That summer, Bobbie received a phone call from Superintendent Gerald Watkins, who said, “Hey, Timmermann, you want to be a business teacher next year?” Her teaching career began in the 1968-1969 school year with an annual salary of $6,000.

Because of the tornado’s destruction, Bobbie’s first year was spent teaching in a temporary modular classroom until the new high school was built. When the school finally reopened, she moved into the classroom that would become her second home for nearly six decades. It quickly became known—and remains known—as “Mrs. T’s room.”

From day one, Bobbie became inseparable from her colleague and dear friend Toni Speer; the two earned the moniker “cohorts in crime.” One of their better-known pranks was convincing students that Toni was Bobbie’s “black sheep” sister. Throughout the year, students wrote letters to Bobbie’s mom (who was in on the joke), trying to persuade her to welcome Toni back into the family. The ruse lasted the entire school year and was never fully revealed. When Toni passed away in 2001, students from that class approached Bobbie and said, “We’re so sorry for the loss of your sister.”

Bobbie’s passion extended far beyond the classroom. She immersed herself in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), March of Dimes, Mock Law competitions, and student mentorship programs. As FBLA adviser, she guided countless students to success—leading teams and traveling thousands of miles, both nationally and internationally. In 2020, Arkansas State University honored her legacy by establishing the Bobbie Timmermann FBLA Scholarship. During the surprise ceremony, she was moved to tears at the recognition of her lasting influence.

In 2004, Bobbie took on the role of head coach for Nettleton’s newly formed bowling team. Under her leadership for 21 years, the team flourished—claiming state championships in 2008, 2023, and 2024. The 2024 title was especially extraordinary: Not only did the team win the State Championship, but they also triumphed over schools of all sizes across Arkansas to win the Best of the Best All-Around Tournament. Mrs. T remains Nettleton’s winningest coach in any sport.

Through the years, Mrs. T delighted in staying connected with her former students and learning where life had taken them. Many went on to become leaders in business, education, and government—and often recognized her impact in their lives when they crossed paths. She was more than a teacher; she was a lifelong friend and mentor, a cornerstone of the community, and a role model whose influence extended far beyond the classroom.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Dan Timmermann. She is survived by her two devoted children, Valerie Beckelhimer (Paul) and Larry Timmermann (Linda); and her 10 beloved grandchildren: Samantha Pittman (Steven), Jessica Holloway, Kimberly Christensen (James), Stephanie Tun (Rusel), Daniel Beckelhimer, Christina Robinson (Ryan), David Beckelhimer (Brandie), Joseph Beckelhimer, Logan Timmermann, and Lucas Timmermann; as well as 26 great-grandchildren, each of whom she loved dearly and celebrated proudly.

Visitation will be held at Emerson Funeral Home on Monday, June 23rd, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will follow on Tuesday, June 24th at 10:00 a.m., also at Emerson Funeral Home, with friends, family, and former students invited to honor her extraordinary legacy. As a show of solidarity for the many years of service, the family will be wearing Nettleton Raider shirts. You are more than welcome to join us in sharing your love for the "black and gold" Nettleton Raiders by wearing Nettleton apparel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Bobbie Timmermann FBLA/PBL Scholarship at Arkansas State University. You may mail donations to ASU System Foundation, P.O Box 1990, State University, AR 72467 or you may call 870-972-3940 and ask for Amy McDonald or Mindy Hendricks for other payment options.

Mrs. Bobbie Timmermann’s story is one of perseverance, devotion, and a heartfelt commitment to generations of students. Her life’s work will live on—a beacon of what it means to teach, to lead, and to love.