174
Retha Yokley. Finley, 81, of Toney, Alabama passed away on Sunday, July 4 at her home after an extended battle with dementia. She was born in Liberty Hill, Tennessee on August 6 , 1939. She graduated from Campbellsville High School and attended Middle Tennessee State University. While attending MTSU, she met the love of her life, Ike Finley. They married in March 1958 and were married for 46 years.
Retha was an avid gardener and loved flowers and vegetable gardening. She enjoyed canning and freezing vegetables for the whole family. She also loved sewing and attending craft shows. She and Ike enjoyed traveling North Alabama and central Tennessee selling crafts, meeting new people and seeing different places.
A member of Shiloh Church of Christ and frequent visitor to Taft church, she taught Bible school and was often a contributor to the benevolence church activities.
Retha was diagnosed with dementia in 2011 and was blessed to have several amazing caregivers. Mrs. Josephine (JoJo) Lockett was with Retha for 6 years. She unfailingly cared for and loved our Mother. We are especially grateful also to Ida Dorsey, Donna Smith, and Rachel Roberson for their care. A special family friend, Tony Smart, was also a constant help, contributing in any way we needed. The family will forever be grateful to these exceptional friends for their care. “Momma” will never be forgotten.
Retha was the oldest child of Felix and Era Mae Yokley. She is survived by her 3 children, C. Wiley Finley (Rita), Jeanne F. Jones (Greg) and Beth F. Owens. 3 Grandchildren , Zachary T. Jones (Aimee), Ashley Lauren Finley, and Andrew W. Finley along with 4 great Grandchildren Micah B. Finley, LaDanien Nance, LaBryce Nance, and Laila Nance.
She is also survived by her brother, Tim Yokley (Sherry), 3 sisters, Connie Putman, Gayle Reasonover (Bobby), and Susie Hays (Rodgers).
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 46 years, Ike W. Finley and her son in law, Donnie R. Owens, Her parents, Felix and Era Mae Yokley, Brothers, Bobby Yokley, Buddy Yokley, Steve Yokley, and Dalton Yokley, sisters, Jeannette Cox and Shirley Yokley.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday July 13 at Berryhill Funeral home from 12-2 pm with a graveside service to follow at 2:30 pm at New Sharon Cemetery in Hazel Green, Alabama.
