JOHN FINLEY

On Tuesday, January 19, 2021, Mr. John H. Finley was called from labor to rest. He was born the second of six children to the late Mr. Henry Finley and Katherine Kelly Finley in Henderson, Texas on April 14, 1933. Working since the age of 5 to help support his parents and siblings, John eventually left his formal education after the third grade to continue supporting his family full time. He remained a life long learner and lived a fulfilling life positively influencing and teaching those around him. John eventually moved to Dallas, Texas and later joined and became baptized at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Pastor George W. Pryor and was a faithful pioneer until his health failed. He was a member of the Pastor's Aide, Adult Men's Sunday School Class and was an active member of the 7:50 am service. He loved hearing his new Pastor Michael D. Pryor preach, until he started staying for the 10:30 am services. He retired from Gifford-Hill Concrete Company with 27 years of service. He then became self-employed and began driving his own truck for 14 years until finally retiring and taking a well-deserved rest. During this retirement, John's love for children and their safety led him to becoming a crossing guard, in addition to driving shuttle vans for The Parking Spot at 81. John loved serving his Lord and Savior, fishing and gardening. In all things, he remained an individual with a loving spirit and a giving heart. On September 25, 2004, God united him with his loving wife Marilyn Hayes Finley which he inherited three loving stepdaughters: Paula Buck, Lisa Walker and Sheila Francois. He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry Finley and Katherine Kelly Finley; three siblings: one brother Wyatt Finley, two sisters, Elzora Polk and Vinnie L. Manzay, and his first wife Elsie A. Finley. Those he leaves to cherish and honor his memory are his loving wife of sixteen years, Marilyn Finley, two sisters, Dorothy M. Moddon, Mesquite, Texas and Doshie Green Hunter, Dallas, Texas, one son, Mr. Jackie Finley of San Antonio, Texas and one daughter, Ms. Mira Baerfield of Denver, Colorado, and three stepdaughters, Mrs. Paula Buck (Lamoris), Mrs. Lisa Walker (Clarence) of Dallas, Texas and Mrs. Sheila Francois (Jearld) of Mckinney, Texas, six grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, two great great-grandchildren, a dear friend over fifty years, Willie Cobb (Dorothy) of Dallas, Texas, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, a multitude of friends and acquaint