Nancy Lee Finney

Ms. Nancy Lee Finney was born on June 22, 1929 to the union of Mary Buchanan Hayes and Wilson Hayes in La Vergne, TN.

She departed this earthly life to her heavenly life on Thursday, August 25, 2022. She was educated in the segregated public schools of Rutherford County, TN. She was a member of the St. Peter’s Primitive Baptist Church in La Vergne, TN.

She was united in marriage to Mr. James Finney, Jr. to whom she was married over 68 years. Together, they raised Mary (Curtis) Sneed, Jimmy Dee (Barbara) Hayes Sr., LuVenia (Phillip) Howse.

Nancy was the last living child of Mary and Wilson Hayes. Her siblings were Naron Buchanan, Lula Mae Melson, Elizabeth Hayes Ballard, Patsy Hayes, and Dorothy Jean Hayes-Holley.

Many were unaware that Nancy only had an eighth-grade education. Though she discontinued her studies in middle school, she remained an avid reader and a ferocious learner. Throughout her life she occupied various careers, beginning as a launderer and hairdresser, to eventually working at Industrial Towels, Central State, and Ramada Inn. In her late age she was employed by Waldenbooks and Swan Drugs.

Perhaps most significantly, she was known to be a selfless caregiver to many including members of her family, members of our community, as well as others in need. In addition, she was a nurturer, mom, wife and grandmother.

Her humility was well-known across the community as she was a friend to the the friendless, offering food, money, encouragement, and at times a safe place to stay. Whatever she offered she did so freely. She also enjoyed her many hobbies including playing numbers, lotto, reading, soap operas (Young & The Restless), nightly game shows, as well as cooking for family and friends.

She leaves many loved ones behind including her husband James Finney Jr., daughters Mary Sneed and LuVenia Howse, devoted son-in-love Phillip Howse, Sr., loving step-son Bruce Butler, Sr., devoted nieces Dorothy Uwifo and Rosa (David) McMillan, devoted nephews Rogers Buchanan and Jason Holley, devoted cousins Margaret (Tommy) Gilbert, and Patsy (John) Massey, dearest devoted childhood friend Virginia Pearl Singleton. She was the proud grandmother of fifteen grandkids, thirteen great-grandchildren, and TEN great-great-grandchildren. She will be deeply and truly missed by her loved ones and her community.

Visitation Saturday, September 3, 2022, 2-3:00pm with funeral to follow at funeral home. Burial in Sand Hill Cemetery Lavergne.