Lillian Finley

Obituary For Lillian Finley

In loving memory of Arlillian J. Finley, a radiant soul who graced this world with her infectious laughter and vibrant spirit. Known to many as Lillian, she was born in Campbell, OH on April 7, 1957. Lillian lit up every room she entered with her extroverted charm and quick wit. On April 6, 2024, the eve of her birthday Lillian slipped into eternity.

Lillian was known for her love of good times and family gatherings. She will forever be remembered for her joyous presence at every party, with a cigarette in one hand and a Mike's HARDER in the other. She appreciated down home blues music, especially artists such as BB King, Bobby Blue Bland and Sir Charles. She loved laughter and displayed wonderful comedic timing as she shared humorous moments.

Her fondness for simple pleasures like watching Lifetime Movie Network and playing word search games brought her great joy. She had a penchant for collecting oversized handbags, flashy jewelry, and engaging in lively games of spades. She jokingly referred to Steve Harvey, the TV & radio personality, as her husband. She loved watching and engaging in the Family Feud game show.

As a South High School graduate, she embraced her role as a homemaker. Her family loved her culinary talents, and she enjoyed preparing her specialties of rigatoni and breakfast home fried potatoes. She loved "fussing" at those she loved by admonishing them to "take your shoes off" or "don't go in my refrigerator /stuff!" She captured countless family memories in her expansive collection of pictorial albums. It was always her hope that the trove of photos would be treasured memories for generations to come.

Her legacy is bold and brilliant as it is passed onto her loving daughter Latosha (Chester Nelms) Finley and supportive sons Arthur Finley & Christopher Finley Bey. Her siblings are charged with keeping the Finley bond solid. Her brother Vincent Finley and sisters Geraldine Finley, Cynthia (Curtis) Harris, Cora Finley, Barbara (Carl) Walker and Bessie Cook are committed to carrying the torch to illuminate the path for future generations.

Lillian was cherished and revered by her grandchildren Tyra Finley, London Taylor, Aubriana Finley, Brian Finley, King Arthur Finley, Taleyla Gregory, Tyla Jones and Rev. Gregory Jones. She empowered each of them to embrace the values of self-worth, dignity, and integrity.

She leaves her longtime companion Richard Robinson and lifelong friends Sarah McClure Debra Everson, Debbie Burgess, Marjorie Harrell, Linda Stevens, along with a cadre of family and friends.

Taking her place among the Finley ancestors, she was greeted by her parents Arthur L. Finley Sr. & Hattie Young-Finley; sister Ethel Pierce; brothers Michael Finley & Arthur Finley Jr.; and nieces Crystal Johnson, Sharonda Miller, Taryn Simmons.

Lillian’s final journey will be honored at a 9:00am public viewing & family visitation at the Jaylex Event Center, 2110 Glenwood Avenue, on Saturday April 13, 2024. A Celebration of Life ceremony will take place at 10:00 with Rev. Young Tensley presiding as the celebrant. Let us come together to celebrate the beautiful life of a shining beacon of love, laughter, and light.

The family of Lillian Finley elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care and Professional After Care Arrangements with the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio 44511 330.782.8500. Although Lillian may have left this earth, her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of many as we reminisce on the precious moments once shared.

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