Johnnie Mae Finney Black, 88, died Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at her longtime residence in Nettleton after an extended illness. A native Lee Countian, Johnnie Mae was born on July 6, 1929 to John Will Finney and Cecil Laverne Young Finney. She graduated from Nettleton High School in l948 and married Fred Black of Itawamba Co on April 16, 1954. He died on October 2, 1999. Johnnie Mae was an astute businesswoman all her working life. She chose to be a part of the building trades industry and spent over 50 years working for Finney Lumber, Black’s Building Supply in Nettleton, Triangle Distributors in Tupelo finally retiring from Great Homes Gallery in 2000. She was considered an expert by all in the trade when it came to windows, doors, lumber and all building accessories. She had a keen eye for numbers and her skills were legendary when it came to home building. A lifelong member of the Union Baptist Church in the Union Community south of Plantersville, Johnnie Mae was faithful to the Sunday school department where she taught for over 50 years. She was a daily reader of the Bible and, moreso, a student of biblical passages which she would readily share with friends and strangers. She enjoyed her yard and was a master rose gardener. Johnnie Mae touched many lives in her long, fruitful life.
A service honoring her life will be held at 2 PM Friday, December 2, 2017 at the Tupelo Chapel of Holland Funeral Directors with Bro. Ronald Pannell and Bro. Joey Goodwin officiating. Steve Holland will bring greetings. Private burial will be in the New Chapel Cemetery east of Nettleton. Visitation will be from 4 PM-7 PM today (Thurs.) and from 1 PM-service time on Friday, all at Holland-Tupelo Chapel, which is honored to be serving their friends.
Johnnie Mae leaves her children, Jan Black and Ken Black and his wife, Cindy of Tupelo; three grandchildren: MacKensey, Maddie and Maegan Black. Her sister in law, Lela Finney of Nettleton and her nephew, Johnny Finney, whom she has provided a caretaker role for over 25 years. She was preceded in death by her parents and two siblings, James and Bobby Finney.
Pallbearers will be Raymond Clayton, Glen Hester, Clyde Smithey, Johnny Finney, Willie Lee Finney and Ricky Hendrix.
Memorials may be made to HOPE Ministries, 2754 Mattox St., Tupelo, Ms 38801.
