Laura Katherine Timberlake was born on May 12, 1997, and died within hours due to birth complications. She was the daughter of Randy Timberlake and Lisa Perry, making her Justin Timberlake’s half-sister. Justin honored her memory in his NSYNC album dedication.
- Who Was Laura Katherine Timberlake?
- The NSYNC Album Dedication
- Laura’s Final Resting Place
- How Laura’s Death Affected Justin
- The Timberlake Siblings Today
- Why People Search for Laura Katherine Timberlake
- The Broader Context of Infant Loss
- Lessons from Laura’s Story
- FAQs About Laura Katherine Timberlake
- Conclusion
When Justin Timberlake released his first NSYNC album, fans noticed something unexpected in the credits. Among the thank-yous was a dedication to “My Angel in Heaven, my sister Laura Katherine.” This puzzled many people who thought Justin was an only child. Some fans even speculated she might have been a twin who died at birth.
The truth reveals a heartbreaking family story that shaped one of pop music’s biggest stars. Laura Katherine Timberlake was the newborn daughter of Randy and Lisa Timberlake who died of complications following birth at Methodist Hospital North in Tennessee.
What This Article Covers
This article explores Laura Katherine Timberlake’s brief life, her family connections, and how her memory continues to influence Justin Timberlake. You’ll learn about the circumstances of her birth, her family’s tribute, and why this story matters to fans today.
Who Was Laura Katherine Timberlake?
Laura Katherine Timberlake entered the world on May 12, 1997, in Millington, Tennessee. She was the daughter of Randy Timberlake and his second wife, Lisa Perry. Randy had previously been married to Lynn Bomar, with whom he had Justin in 1981.
The baby didn’t live but an hour, according to Justin’s grandmother, Sadie Bomar. The exact medical complications that led to her death remain private, but the loss deeply affected the entire Timberlake family.
Family Background
When Randy and Lynn divorced in 1983, Justin was just two years old. Randy later married Lisa Perry in 1991. Together, they had three children:
- Jonathan Timberlake (born September 12, 1993)
- Laura Katherine Timberlake (May 12-14, 1997)
- Stephen Timberlake (born August 14, 1998)
Justin was 16 years old when Laura was born. He was already performing with NSYNC and beginning his journey to stardom. The timing made the loss particularly difficult, as he balanced grief with his rising career.
The NSYNC Album Dedication
Record label boss Lou Pearlman recalled that Justin was just 16 and really upset, with it on his mind the whole time. During the creation of NSYNC’s debut album, Justin struggled to find the right words to honor his sister.
He ultimately chose a simple yet powerful dedication: “My Angel in Heaven, my sister Laura Katherine.”
Why the Dedication Mattered
This tribute served multiple purposes:
Personal healing – It gave Justin a way to process his grief publicly Family honor – It acknowledged Laura’s place in the Timberlake family Lasting memorial – It ensured fans would remember her
The dedication confused many fans who didn’t know Justin had siblings. His half-sister Laura Katherine died shortly after birth in 1997 and is mentioned in his acknowledgments in the album NSYNC. This revelation sparked widespread curiosity about Justin’s family life.
Laura’s Final Resting Place
Private family graveside services were held at Woodhaven Memory Gardens in Millington. The burial site features a memorial plaque with a winged cherub in a peaceful corner known as the Garden of Innocence.
The inscription reads: “Laura Katherine Timberlake. In the arms of Jesus.”
Artificial flowers regularly mark the spot, showing that family members continue to visit and remember her. This quiet memorial stands in stark contrast to the global fame of her half-brother.
Who Survived Laura
According to official records, Laura was survived by:
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Randy Timberlake | Father |
| Lisa Perry Timberlake | Mother |
| Jonathan Timberlake | Brother |
| Justin Timberlake | Half-brother |
| Charles and Bobbie Timberlake | Paternal grandparents |
| Mack Perry | Maternal grandfather |
| Sue Perry | Maternal grandmother |
How Laura’s Death Affected Justin
Justin’s grandmother Sadie shared insight into how the family coped. Justin wanted to comfort Randy during this difficult time. Despite being a teenager dealing with his own emotions, Justin stepped up to support his father.
The experience shaped Justin’s values and priorities. His grandmother noted that he maintained his Christian faith and family connections despite his fame. She mentioned how Justin always says a blessing before eating and stays grounded in his roots.
Long-term Impact on His Life
Several themes emerged from this tragedy:
Faith became central – Justin’s religious beliefs helped him process loss Family stayed priority – He remained close to his half-brothers Empathy developed – The experience gave him perspective on life’s fragility
These qualities appear throughout Justin’s career. His music often touches on deeper emotional themes, and he speaks about family in interviews.
The Timberlake Siblings Today
Justin maintains relationships with his surviving half-brothers, Jonathan and Stephen. Both men have chosen different paths than their famous sibling.
Jonathan Timberlake got involved in music and real estate. He created a music project called LIV in 2015 after meeting singer Liv Miraldi in college. He also runs a real estate business and is married.
Stephen Timberlake was born about a year after Laura’s death. He reportedly shares an interest in theater and music, suggesting a connection to the family’s artistic heritage.
Unlike Justin, both brothers avoid the spotlight. They live private lives away from celebrity attention.
Why People Search for Laura Katherine Timberlake
Interest in Laura Katherine Timberlake comes from several sources:
Dedicated fans want to understand Justin’s background completely Genealogy researchers document the Timberlake family tree Music historians examine what influences shaped Justin’s artistry Compassionate individuals connect with the story of infant loss
The story resonates because it humanizes a global superstar. It reminds people that celebrities face the same heartbreaks as everyone else.
Common Misconceptions
Several myths persist about Laura:
She was not Justin’s twin – She was born 16 years after him She lived briefly – Some sources say hours, not just moments Her death was not sudden tragedy – It resulted from birth complications Justin knew about her – He wasn’t surprised by a secret sibling
These clarifications help people understand the true story.
The Broader Context of Infant Loss
Laura Katherine Timberlake’s story highlights a painful reality many families face. According to the CDC, approximately 20,000 infants die annually in the United States. Birth complications remain a leading cause despite medical advances.
Families dealing with such losses often struggle with:
- Processing grief while managing other responsibilities
- Deciding how to memorialize a child who lived briefly
- Explaining the loss to siblings and extended family
- Moving forward while honoring the child’s memory
Justin’s public acknowledgment of Laura helped normalize conversations about infant loss. By including her in his album credits, he showed that brief lives still matter.
Lessons from Laura’s Story
Several meaningful takeaways emerge from this family history:
Life’s fragility – Even joyful moments can turn tragic quickly Public grieving – Celebrities process loss while maintaining careers Memorial importance – Finding ways to honor loved ones helps healing Family bonds – Tragedy can strengthen or strain relationships
Justin’s approach offers a model for others. He acknowledged Laura without exploiting her story for attention. He kept details private while ensuring she wouldn’t be forgotten.
How Justin Honors Her Memory
Beyond the album dedication, Justin reportedly:
- Visits her grave when in Tennessee
- Mentions her in family conversations
- Maintains close ties with his father Randy
- Values his remaining siblings more deeply
These private actions matter more than public gestures. They show genuine commitment to family.
FAQs About Laura Katherine Timberlake
Who was Laura Katherine Timberlake?
She was Justin Timberlake’s half-sister who died shortly after birth in May 1997 due to complications.
How old was Justin when Laura died?
Justin was 16 years old and starting his career with NSYNC when Laura passed away.
Where is Laura Katherine Timberlake buried?
She’s buried at Woodhaven Memory Gardens in Millington, Tennessee, in the Garden of Innocence section.
Did Laura have any other siblings?
Yes, she had two brothers: Jonathan Timberlake (full brother) and Justin Timberlake (half-brother). Stephen was born later.
How did Justin Timberlake honor his sister?
He dedicated his first NSYNC album to her with the inscription “My Angel in Heaven.”
Conclusion
Laura Katherine Timberlake lived only hours, but her impact continues decades later. Through Justin’s dedication, millions of fans learned about a sister they never knew existed. Her story reminds us that fame doesn’t shield anyone from life’s hardest moments.
The Timberlake family’s decision to memorialize Laura publicly while keeping details private shows grace under difficult circumstances. Justin transformed personal tragedy into a lasting tribute that honors his sister’s brief existence. Her memory lives on through his music, his faith, and his commitment to family values that his grandmother Sadie instilled.
For anyone who has lost a child or sibling, Laura’s story offers validation. Even the shortest lives deserve recognition. Every family member matters, regardless of how long they’re with us.
