Chantilly, VA

Alexandria, VA

Marie Ann Finley

marie finley

January 20, 1956 ~ October 19, 2019

Marie A. Finley, 63 years old, Dumfries, Virginia, transitioned Saturday morning October 19, 2019, at home after a short illness. Marie was born in Lafayette, Alabama on January 20, 1956.  After graduating college, Marie started as an intern with the Federal Government. Her distinguished civil service career that spanned more than 37 years. She received a Meritorious Civil Service Medal for exceptional performance while serving as Acquisition Manager for the Defense, Communications and Army Transmission Systems Program Office from 2002 to 2019.  Throughout her career, Marie received numerous accolades, certificates and awards of excellence for her service, commitment and dedication to the organization, Army, and more importantly to the soldiers and civilians she supported.    

Marie graduated with honors from LaFayette High School, top ten in her class. She was in the Beta, Librarian, Math, and Science clubs, a member of Student Council and Future Homemakers of America.  As a result of her academic merits, she was nominated for Who’s Who Among America High School Students and received an academic scholarship to Alabama A&M University in Huntsville.  Marie maintained a 4.0 average, graduating with honors in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education-English.

Marie was kind, soft-spoken and cared about what was important, especially her family; she wanted her family to always stay close.  Marie worked hard at accomplishing her successes, and she did it with humility, grace, and class. She didn’t mind helping anyone and often putting the needs of others before herself.  Marie was meticulous in her work ethic and support of others. She ensured every piece of information she provided to anyone was correct, completed and comprehended.   

Marie will be remembered for her trademark sense of humor, quick wit, spirit of adventure, and jovial attitude. Among her interests were interior decorating, furniture reupholstery and cooking.  Her favorite color was sky blue, she loved the Motown oldies, and her favorite dance was the Mashed Potato.  Tamela Mann’s gospel song, Take Me to the King, touched her soul.

 

                              [Chorus]

                             “Take me to the King

                              I don't have much to bring

                              My heart's torn to pieces

                              It's my offering

                              Lay me at the throne

                              Leave me there alone

                              To gaze upon Your glory

                              And sing to You this song”

 

She leaves to cherish her memories: her mother, Susie B. White of Lanett, AL, great-aunt, Betty Scott King of Beulah, AL;  four sisters: Susie Ann (Terry) Gunn of Opelika, AL, Linda Jennings of Valley, AL, Janice (Charles) Moffett of Opelika, AL and Sharon (Roderick) Jones of Lanett, AL; four brothers: Jessie Jr. (Brenda) White of lanett AL, Darryl White of Lanett, AL, Stephen (LaKeeta) White of LaGrange, GA and Gregory (Pam) White of Newnan, AL; three aunts: Patricia (Warren) Dupree of Fair Oaks, CA, Gloria (Curtis) Calloway of LaFayette, AL, Theresia (Luther) Copeland of Marietta, GA; three uncles: James T. Finley, Jr. of LaFayette, AL, Bobby Finley of Lafayette, AL and William Finley of Opelika, AL as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

A Celebration of Life is planned for November 16, 2019  at 3:00 p.m. at the Valley Community Center, 130 Sportsplex Drive, Valley, Alabama 36854.  

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Christian Service Center, 5340 Cusseta Rd, Lanett, AL 36863.

Do Everything In Love.

1 Corinthians 16:14

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  1. Ms. Marie Finley was a very sweet, soft spoken soul who would go out of her way to serve anyone that came her way. She would go out of her way to help solve problems with contracting and work to help people understand the complex issues of Government Contracting. Marie has an awesome contagious smile that lit up a room, but did not like to take pictures. We would stop by each other’s desk daily just to check on one another! Marie will be missed by those of us who worked with her on a daily basis! I can’t believe she is gone, but I’m glad I did get a chance to visit Marie before she went home to Glory! May you forever Rest In Peace! God Bless You Marie!
    I love you and miss you Marie❤️🦋

  2. Marie May your light continue to shine for and on all of us. It was indeed a blessing to know you and I know you are truly at peace.

  3. I am honored and blessed to have known Marie for many years.  She will be missed every day.  My sincere condolences.

  4. God bless Marie. May she be at peace in God’s resting hands. I am eternally grateful for her service to our nation and for the dedicated support that she provided me.

    Colonel (R) Clyde Richards

  5. We have been sisters since I met you 35 years ago at the Army Logistics Management College. We have traveled together, both personally and professionally, to a myriad of places. We
     shared our deepest secrets and thoughts so many times over the years with each other. We’ve laughed and cried over so many things. You just reminded me a few weeks ago that family is not just biological and you are glad that I am your sister. Thanks for a Lifetime of fun, happiness and love Ree Ree.
    To God be the glory for all of the wonderful things that he has done, especially in such a time as this. I thank God for the peaceful 😘transition of my beautiful, beloved, dignified sister Marie.
    My heart is overwhelmed, but I know that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Sleep on my Heavenly angel, sister of mine, I Love You. 

    Your sister, Cathy Terrell from the ATL
    😘❤️

  6. Marie was a force to be reckoned with. A strong, kind-hearted spirit that will be missed. May she be remembered forever in the hearts of those who loved her. Only her physical body no longer with us but always with us in spirit.

  7. Marie will be missed but I know she is in God’s hand and in no more pain.  I had the opportunity to spend some significant time with Marie before her passing and she was well with leaving.  She had accomplished much and her work here on earth was done.  God Bless.

  8. Marie will be missed but not forgotten by those who knew and loved her.  The light of her spirit will continue to shine brightly.  Rest in peace.

  9. Theresia

    Today I visited a concealed place where valuable memories are preserved. It painted pleasant and delightful portraits of Marie and I during our various stages of life. The first portrait revealed a picture of Marie and I playing jacks, Little Sally Walker, eating a yummy sugar daddy and riding in a wheelbarrow exploring nature navigated by my big brother, Baybro. Marie always paid attention to detail as she discovered wild strawberries, yellow plums, green plums and red plums.

    The second portrait depicted Marie assisting me with two digit subtraction in grammar school. The third picture displayed beautiful arrays of clothing worn by Marie and I as we double dated on our way to our senior dance. We were also roommates in college. Therefore the fourth painting was a description of Thigpen Hall’s dormitory located at Alabama A&M University. The room was very small with two small twin beds, white walls, white blinds and no carpet.

    The fifth portrait exhibited Marie and I facing the world. We shared an apartment in Huntsville, Alabama. She worked at a pharmacy and I worked in retail. These paintings will be forever cherished. I love you Ree Ree and I look forward to seeing you in the resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 & Romans 6:23

    Theresia

  10. Marie  I am glad we had that last chance to talk and say I love you to each other you are gone but not forgotten you will always be in my heart I love you always and forever.

  11. Ah Ms. Finley!
    I will never forget her soft spoken voice and strong personality. As we all know, Marie was independent, professional and a respectful woman.
    Before speaking to Marie I always tripled checked to ensure I had my paperwork in order! Once the work portion of our conversations was done, I enjoyed our personal talks!
    May we all be at peace knowing Marie is no longer in pain.
    Blessing to her Family and Friends

  12. May you rest in peace Marie. I feel blessed that God allowed our paths to cross. You were a wonderful person, with a kind spirit, always willing to help. I pray that God comforts your family, friends, and acquaintances as we miss your physical presence. We will always remember …

  13. Marie,
    Thank you for being a great mentor and friend. I will forever cherish our conversations and I miss you dearly.

    Denisesha

  14. Happy birthday beautiful! 
    There are a lot of things I wish I could tell you like I’m still pushing on my weight journey(mom gave me a few of your cardigans and dresses and they fit. Wearing them is like still having a little piece of you around)
    I met a new guy. He’s kind, helpful, gentle and supportive.
     I bought a new car and it’s one I really wanted, I’ve been trying to be a forgiving person like you. I’ve been practicing being slow to speak when angry.
    I’ve even tried to be a better auntie. 
    I’m still struggling with my natural hair though lol
     we are trying to look out for mom and spoil her even more since you are away now and can’t do those things now. You know she’s a feisty one so that last one is tough lol.


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