Rose Marie Finley

In God's infinite wisdom,Rose Marie Connor was born to Jeffrey and Rosalee Connor on July 23,1935 in Orangebury,South Carolina.In 1937,this family relocated to Rockaway Beach,New York. There Rose,tenderly known as Marie to her family and friends,attended Public Schools 42,graduating from 8th grade and continuing to Far Rockaway High School. She later received a GED and advanced her education at the Nassau Community College in Long Island for Business Studies. She also attended Bethel Bible Institute In New York,in the 1980's graduating from a certificate program.On May 14, 1955 Marie married Lewis Finley,of Holly Hill,South Carolina. To this union was born 3 children:Rosalynne, Lewis(Bobby)and Gwen. Her husband,Lewis was deceased in 1972,yet she maintained her godly character and raised her children with love and pride,constantly displaying the example and character of holiness. One of her greatest passions in life was caring for her children and family. She ardently loved and was loved by her only two grandchildren,Roxanne and Norman,who devotedly cared for her until her departure.Marie worked as a Principal Administrative Aide II(Timekeeping)in the New York City Transit Authority,where she retired after more than 20 years of dedicated service. After retirement in 1992,she enrolled in Nassau Tech BOCES where she completed a Practical Nursing Program and became a licensed nurse. She then relocated to Richmond,Virginia in September 1993 and started her first nursing career at the McGuire VA Hospital. She also worked with local nursing agencies and homes,retiring once again in 2006,due to health issues. She was a very dedicated to her home health client,Eric,who made her last assignment very memorable.She was an avid lover of the Lord and was saved at a very young age. Marie attended and was a member of some of the greatest churches in Rockaway Beach,including,Bethel A.M.E.,her father's church where she was christened;Macedonia Baptist Church,and First Church of God in Christ. She settled in the Community Church of God In Christ in 1960,under the pastorate of Elder Moses Green,where she served for over 30 years. There she formed one of the first singing groups in the church with her sister and friends. She also was a member of the church choir,and later became the choir director. In the words of her sister Ruby,"The choir didn't become a choir until she became director and began teaching each voice,giving notes until they were harmonized." she also helped established choirs in the church by going about following up on vistors and members,inviting them to choir rehearsals and church services. She had a keen ear for music & harmony both with accompaniment and acappella. Also in this ministry,she served in many capacities including President of Hospitality,Pastor's Aide,and choir.as well as Licensed Evangelist in the Church of God In Christ,Coordinator of Fundraisers and Events. She often utilized her creative skills and hosted many Fashion Shows and Concerts,where she sewed most of the clothing. marie,also served as State Public Relations President in the C.O.G.I.C. 2nd Jurisdiction in New York prior to relocating to Virginia.Upon relocating to Virginia,Marie joined the Word For Living Church of God In Christ,under the leadership of Pastor Larry C. Miles,Sr. There she also served in many capacities including member of the Missionary Board,Mother's Board,President of the Culinary Ministry,and whatever her hands would find to do. Mother Finley would often be found visiting the sick and shut-in with her specially created baskets,pies and/or meals. In her early years here,Pastor Miles would occasionally entrust her to carry out the services while he and First Lady Miles went on assignments and she would be requested to sing a solo or songs of praise in the worship services also. Mother Finley loved the church,her pastors and was committed to ministry. So many things could be said of this great servant of the Lord,but one thing is for sure,nothing and no one could take away her joy in the Lord. Despite experiencing a massive heart attack in 1981;losing her husband,son,other family and friends;rapidly failing health within the last 3 years,Mother Finley continued to witness to family,neighbors,friends and even passers-by,compelling them to come to Christ. Today,we celebrate the life and service of a great woman and servant of God. Mother,Rose Finley was preceded in death by her parents;her sister,Lucy Rebecca Stancell;and her son,Lewis Robert Finley. She leaves to treasure her legacy:her children;Rosalynne Shaw and Gwendolyn Finley and her grandchildren,Roxanne Moorer and Norman Shaw,Jr. all of Richmond, VA;4 sisters,Ruby and Eunice Conner,Laney Young of Richmond,VA. and Lorraine Connor of Rockaway Beach,N.Y.;3 brothers,Ernest,Jeffery and John Connor all of Rockaway Beach,N.Y.;a family adopted sister,District Missionary Marie Darby Hubert of Rockaway Beach,N.Y.;3 sisters-in-law,Barbara Connor of Rockaway Beach,N.Y.,Anna Mae Scott of Jamaica,N.Y. and Janie Riezie of Columbia,S.C.;2 brothers-in-law,Louie Rienzie and Derrell Stancell,Sr.;2 aunts Lucille Hunt and Okarita Howser,both of N.Y.;3 uncles;4 godchildren,Shelia Connor James of Richmond, VA.,Naomi Sloss Cross of Chicago,Il., and James Green of Los Angeles,CA.,and Missionary Carol Rivers of Landover,MD.;a faithful dear friend,Alberta Corwise of Rockaway Beach,N.Y.;a great host of nieces,nephews,cousins,other relatives,close friends,and two church families and Pastors,Superintendents Moses Green and Larry C. Miles,Sr.

Tributes

Rose Marie Finley

July 23, 1935 - May 22, 2008