See our photo gallery from Miss Lily White Celebration of Life & Legacy at La Cage.

The lights at Club 219 glinted off sequined gowns while laughter crashed against the walls like a wave on those Thursday nights in the mid 90’s. The air thrummed with energy as Miss Lily White—her platinum wig perfectly in place—delivered a biting one-liner that sent the crowd into fits. Everyone wanted to be part of the riotous, glitter-dusted spectacle, and Miss Lily was the undeniable star.

Born in 1965 as Timothy Paul Lober, he graduated from Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School in 1983. He furthered his education with an associate’s degree in Hospitality and Travel. After moving to Milwaukee, he flourished as a chef at many well-known establishments, including Pasta Tree and Pieces of Eight.

But his real love was Broadway theater, and so performing in drag in the late 1980’s wasn’t a stretch. The drag scene in Milwaukee at the time was ripe for newcomers like Mimi Marks, Mary Richards, Shawna Love, and many others. So Timmy joined the festivities with a bang.

Under the tutelage of his drag mom, Baby Jane Hudson, Miss Lily White was born. Known for a quick wit and a killer Marilyn Monroe impersonation, he rose through the ranks to become a treasured Milwaukee entertainer and emcee.  Miss Lily launched the drag careers of many amateur starlets. Her Thursday night talent shows at Club 219 were always the talk of the town.

His longtime spouse, Spencer, was offered a new job in 2002, and the couple relocated to Minneapolis. It wasn’t long until Miss Lily White found a gig hosting the Pumps and Pearls Revue, a new talent showcase at the Town House/Black Hart clubs in Saint Paul.

Inside Lily’s world, everyone got a shot at being the performer they thought they were. Known for giving underdogs a chance, she became beloved by Minnesotans for it.

When not in the kitchen or onstage, Tim enjoyed traveling the world and saw over 1,000 Broadway shows during his lifetime. Each production, from the dazzling musicals to the sharp-witted comedies, fed his imagination and sharpened both his sense of timing and his appetite for spectacle. The sheer passion and polish he witnessed on Broadway spilled directly into Miss Lily’s own acts, inspiring memorable monologues, quick-fire banter, and a magnetic stage presence.

His sudden death on February 16 shocked fans and friends alike. Tributes poured in on social media from all performers, fans, and co-workers from all over the world.

Timothy is survived by his partner of 36 years, John Spencer Shafer, and many family members.