FINLEYElaine
Celebration of Life in honor of Barbara Elaine Finley
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2024 • 11:00 AM
ST. MARK CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST MOUND BAYOU, MISSISSIPPI
PROCESSIONAL
SONG
St. Mark Church of God in Christ Choir
READINGS FROM THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
Pulpit Ministers
PRAYER
Rev. Dr. Willie Jackson
Mt. Olive M.B. Church • Mound Bayou, Mississippi
SONG
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FROM A FRIEND Deacon James Potts
Southlawn Baptist Church • Montgomery, Alabama
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE FAMILY
Dr. D’Linell Finley, Sr., Pastor
Southlawn Baptist Church • Montgomery, Alabama
TWO MINUTE EXPRESSIONS
Reading of the Obituary
SONG
EULOGY
Elder John Howard
RECESSIONAL
THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF
Barbara Elaine Finley
The beautiful Barbara Elaine Finley was born on April 17, 1955, at Friendship Clinic in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, to Celestine Hayes Finley and George Finley. As the fourth of six children— D’Linell, Willie, Michael, Katie, and Florence— Barbara grew up in a close-knit family, rich in love and Mississippi Delta values. She spent her early years in Gunnison, Mississippi, before her family moved to Winstonville, Mississippi.
From a young age, Barbara embraced Jesus Christ as her Savior, a commitment that guided her throughout life. She was a Mound Bayou Public School District student and graduated proudly from John F. Kennedy Memorial High School in the Class of 1974. Her strong work ethic led to a fulfilling 20-year career at Baxter Healthcare Medical Supply & Equipment.
On December 28, 2005, Barbara married Charles Richard. While they had no children, they adored their cherished fur baby, Missy Finley Richard, who brought joy to their lives.
While still employed at Baxter, Barbara pursued a passion for styling hair, earning her cosmetology certification from Coahoma Community College. After retiring from Baxter, she fully embraced her role as a hairdresser, beautifying her clients while providing a listening ear and building lasting relationships. Her work was more than a job; she was a style maker, compassionate confidant, and friend to many.
Barbara was a woman of immense faith, graduating from the Exodus School of The Bible in Renova, MS, under the guidance of Dr. Roderick Mitchell. Her creativity and love for community were evident in all she did. She found joy in gardening, decorating her home, and bringing
beauty to Mound Bayou through her work on the Christmas Decor Committee. Barbara also loved cooking and entertaining, making her home a warm and welcoming place.
On August 21, 2024, Barbara departed this earthly life, leaving behind a legacy of love that will forever be cherished. Her loving husband, Charles Richard of Mound Bayou, MS; her devoted children, Enrique Finley of Arlington, TX, Mekesia (Brian) Piper of Arlington, TX, and Jemaal Weeks of Merigold, MS; her stepchildren, Vanessa (Steven) Bradley of Southaven, MS, Kenyatta Richard of Symonds, MS, LaQuitta (Vernon) Green of Olive Branch, MS, Victor Johnson of Merigold, MS, and Toya (Otis) Horton of Middletown, DE, all carry forward her legacy. She is also survived by her siblings, John Finley of Decatur, IL, Rev. Dr. D’Linell Finley (Janet) of Montgomery, AL, Willie Finley of Memphis, TN, Katie Howard (Tom) of Maywood, IL, and Gwendolyn R. Grayer of Dallas, TX; her beautiful grandchildren; and her siblings-in-love, including Ollie (Louis) Zimmermann of Chicago, IL, Willie (Virginia) Richard of Horn Lake, MS, Katherine Richard of Bellwood, IL, Mary Ann (R.C.) Waldrop of Chicago, IL, Walter (Virginia) Richard of Indianola, MS, and Johnnie Mae Horn of Austin, TX; and her dear canine love, Missy.
Barbara’s presence will be sorely missed by her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church members. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Celestine and George Finley; her siblings, Michael Finley and Florence (Dennis) Coleman; and her sisters-in-love, Mattie (David) Jackson and Betty Jean Robinson.
Barbara's Husband & Friend
Dearest, Barbara
I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday and days before that too.
I think of you in silence I often speak your name. All I have are memories and your picture in a frame.
Your memory is my keepsake with which I'll never part.
God has you in his keeping I have you in my heart.
Barbara's Legacy
A Mother’s Love
In gentle hands, she held us near, A heart so full, no room for fear. With every word, she’d guide and care, A love so deep, beyond compare.
Her smile, a light that led the way, Through storm and calm, both night and day. A mother’s warmth, so strong and true, In every moment, love shone through.
Though now she rests, her spirit’s here, In every memory, she’s ever near.
Her love, a gift that won’t depart, Forever living in our heart.
Grandma
Grandma, you showed us strength and grace, With quiet wisdom and a steady pace. In your calm presence, we found our way, Learning from your life each day.
Your love was gentle, firm, and true, A guiding light in all we do.
Your strength, a constant, we could see, In every lesson, you gave us quietly.
Though you're gone, your spirit remains, In our hearts, your love sustains. We carry you with us, near and far, Forever our grandma, our guiding star.
PALLBEARERS
Nicholas Finley • Ashley Finley • Montrelli Finley, Sr.
Dennis Coleman • Monte Coleman • Caleb Bradley
Charles Bradley • Jordan Finley • D’Linell Finley, Jr.
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Enrique Finley • Jameel Finley • Willie Finley
Dr. D’Linell Finley • John Ducan Finley • Kenyatta Richard
Steven Bradley • Victor Johnson • Brian Piper
FLOWER GIRLS
Granddaughters and Nieces
OFFICIANT
Elder John Howard - Pastor
St. Mark Church of God in Christ • Mound Bayou, Mississippi
PULPIT DIRECTOR
Rev. Dr. D’Linell Finley, Sr. - Pastor
Southlawn Baptist Church
Montgomery, Alabama
INTERMENT
Winstonville Cemetery • Winstonville, Mississippi
REPAST
Richard M. Coleman Recreational Park RecCon League
Mound Bayou, Mississippi
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Johnson & Scott Mortuary • Cleveland, Mississippi
FUNERAL PROGRAMS
Enduring Print • Obituaries + Keepsakes • 662-820-4247
Thank You
The family of Barbara Elaine Finley greatly appreciates the comforting messages, prayers, and acts of kindness during our time of mourning. Your support has given us strength and comfort. We are truly thankful for your compassion.