Jennifer L. Finney

Aug 21st, 1957 - Dec 20th, 2016
22 Guests

Visitation:

Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home

Mon, Dec. 26th, 2016 11 am - 1 pm

Service:

Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home

Mon, Dec. 26th, 2016 1 pm

Jennifer Lee Finney, 59, of Marion, passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at 9:43 am at Heartland Regional Medical Center.

Jennifer was born August 21, 1957 in Marion the daughter of Calvin and Virginia (Brush) Wilson.

She was a graduate of Marion High School in 1975. At the age of 35, after starting her family, she returned to school to further her education. Jennifer graduated from SIU-C in 1998 with her degree in elementary education. Following graduation she immediately began her career at the DeSoto Elementary School where she taught social sciences to 6th, 7th and 8th grades. She quickly became involved with several of the clubs, organizations and programs at the school. In May, 2007 she received her Masters of Education in Teacher Leadership from McKendree University. While pursuing her second Masters in Teacher Development she shifted her focus to Principalship, which she was currently working on. Her love of children and education were her greatest passion only second to her love for her grandchildren. She attended Cedar Grove Methodist Church in Marion.

Survivors include her;

Daughter – Kali Lee Brannan and husband Carl of Thompsonville

Two Grandchildren; Audi & Annabelle Lee Griffin of Thompsonville

Sister – Wilma “Willie” Rawson of Marion

Brother – David Wilson of Marion

Uncle – John Brush and wife Carol of Sarasota, Florida

Nieces;

Fannie Maria Rawson of Dixon, Kentucky

Allee Wilson of Marion

Kaylee Wilson of Marion

Nephew – Cody Wilson of Marion

Several Cousins

Many Friends, co-workers and students that all held a special place in her heart

Preceded by her; Parents

Funeral services will be Monday, December 26, 2016 at 1 pm at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Utley officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 11 am to time of service at the funeral home.

For those who prefer memorials may be made to the Cedar Grove Methodist Children’s Fund. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 North Market Street, Marion, Illinois 62959.

 




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22 Guestbook Messages

  • Guest: Pam White

    From: Makanda, Illinois

    Date: December 20, 2016

    We are Desoto Grade School are grieving the loss of a compassionate friend and teacher. Jenny was always there to help anyone in time of trouble, and her high expectations stretched students’ minds and hearts. She leaves a wonderful legacy in the lives of her many students. My prayers go out for the family. Till we meet again, Jenny…I love you!

  • Guest: Alexus B. Hicks

    From: De Soto , Illinois

    Date: December 21, 2016

    Mrs. Finney was the best teacher. She loved penguins so every holiday I would get her something with a penguin on it. I will miss her so much. My mom said that when Mrs. Perion came to sub for Mrs. Clough my mom said that it was gods way of preparing the sub to be teaching for Mrs. Finney`s spot. I will miss her alot. R.I.P Mrs. Finney

  • Guest: Dawn

    From: , Illinois

    Date: December 21, 2016

    So sorry for the loss of your dear family member. We all look forward to the time when death will be no more and there will be peace on earth. (Revelation 21:3,4 and Psalms 37:11).

  • Guest: Mark and Leslie K. Nimmo

    From: DeSoto, Illinois

    Date: December 21, 2016

    Our hearts broke with the passing of this wonderful woman. She meant so much to our family not only as a teacher, but as a dear friend who we will miss. May you rest in peace dear friend as you smile down us

  • Guest: Debbie

    From: McCalla, Alabama

    Date: December 22, 2016

    Jennifer thanks for all the laughter and love you shared with all who passed through life with you at some time or the other.

  • Guest: Donna Davis Cheney

    From: , Illinois

    Date: December 22, 2016

    I went to high school with Jennifer. We had so many memorable times it would be hard to mention just one. She was a great friend. May she Rest In Peace!

  • Guest: Pam Wright Lueke

    From: Carmi, Illinois

    Date: December 22, 2016

    Willie, I am so sorry and praying for you family.

  • Guest: Susan Copeland

    From: De Soto , Illinois

    Date: December 22, 2016

    Ms. Finney was a wonderful woman with a heart of gold, my heart is breaking over the loss of this wonderful woman who shaped so many lives, including the lives of my children who both lover her, during her career as a teacher. To her family, Friends and students I am praying for comfort during this time of loss, may God be with us all. Much love to you Jennifer Finney, you are so missed already.

    Susan Copeland

  • Guest: Deborah Brase

    From: Marion, Illinois

    Date: December 22, 2016

    I am sorry that Jennifer passed away. She was a good friend to me. I remember being in Girl Scouts with her. I will always remember her.

  • Guest: Kenzie Clerk

    From: , Illinois

    Date: December 22, 2016

    Ms. Finney was so much more than a teacher. Anyone who was blessed enough to know her, she became part of their family. She inspired me to do what I love and stop at nothing. She was and forever will be a huge part of my life.

  • Guest: Brenda Dreyer

    From: Marion, Illinois

    Date: December 22, 2016

    Jennifer I will miss you we were life long friends. The things we did and all the fun we had I will never forget!! Peace be with you my friend!!

  • Guest: Caitlyn (Ruph) Bost

    From: DeSoto, Illinois

    Date: December 22, 2016

    Ms. Finney was my social studies teacher through junior high and Beta Club leader but she was so much more than that. If you met her once you could tell she had a passion for teaching, for her kids, and a huge heart. It’s been 13 years since I was at DGS but any time I would run into her she’d give me a big hug and ask about my family. She genuinely loves her students and we all felt that. She taught me many life lessons that I use on a daily basis and thanks to her I can still sing the Preamble. To hear of her passing is heartbreaking. Her family and all of our DGS community will be in my prayers.

  • Guest: Mitchell Bandy

    From: DeSoto, Illinois

    Date: December 23, 2016

    Anyone who was blessed enough to know Ms. Finney knew that she was hard on you but if it wasn’t for her I would not even be close to the person I have become today. Ms Finney was a strong, independent, and faithful woman. I am so glad I had the opportunity to be in her class. To say I’m sad is an under statement. I will always love you Ms. Finney or Jenney the Finney. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
    (Revaltions 21.4)

  • Guest: Marian Neely-Carlson

    From: Greenwood Village, Colorado

    Date: December 23, 2016

    Dear Wilma, Sally, Johnny and families, I am so sorry to hear of Jennifer’s passing. Many years may have passed but the memores seem like yesterday. You all have been and will remain in my thoughts and prayers. With my love, Marian

  • Guest: Miriam Griffin

    From: Thompsonville, Illinois

    Date: December 24, 2016

    Dear Cali & family..I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing.. if I can do anything please call me..love you all so much..Aunt Sis

  • Guest: Renee Lefler

    From: Royalton, Illinois

    Date: December 25, 2016

    My heart is saddened to lose a very close friend and co-worker. Jenny was an integral part of our junior high team at DeSoto Grade School for many years. Her work ethic, compassion, and diverse talents were unmatched. On a personal note, I feel blessed to have known her.

  • Guest: Conor Gleason

    From: Desoto, Illinois

    Date: December 26, 2016

    Mrs. Finney was very dear to me and I loved her like family. She was like family to nearly everyone who knew her and always made people smile. My last memory with her was the day before she past away when I gave her a hug and told her I loved her. I realized later that I was the last one to hug her that day, meaning I was the last DGS kid to ever hug her. I will always hold a place in my heart for her, and I shall never forget her.

  • Guest: Mark p. Martin

    From: Murphysboro il., Illinois

    Date: December 26, 2016

    Jenny Finney is a great teacher and friend I will miss talking to her she always gave me a hug.God Bless her family and staff at Desoto Grade School and students. Mark p. Martin.

  • Guest: Pam ward

    From: Desoto , Illinois

    Date: December 26, 2016

    Mrs. Finney was the best teacher and a wonderful woman with a heart of gold. My son had her as a teacher in 7th grade for 1 thing only which was for Mrs. Finney teaching Tai Chi to students at Desoto grade school. I thought that was very neat and interesting to leaen,but most of all she will be missed dearly by everyone who knew her. I will always hold a place in my heart for her, and I shall never forget her. I am so so for your loss and I am keeping your family in prayers. God bless you all.

  • Guest: Sara Wright

    From: Desoto, Illinois

    Date: December 26, 2016

    I am eternally grateful for the guidance and nuturing you provided to Miranda ..She has and will always think the world of you …Thank you for your immense contribution to our school and community

  • Guest: Lauren Clough

    From: Murphysboro, Illinois

    Date: December 26, 2016

    I have many fond memories of Jenny that I will cherish. She was such a caring person, who loved her friends and students dearly. Our hallway will not be the same without you Finney. Until we meet again my friend. I love you.

  • Guest: Marritt Vaughn

    From: De Soto, Illinois

    Date: December 26, 2016

    To say that Mrs.Finney was my favorite teacher is an understatement. Not only was she the best teacher to walk the face of the Earth but also a family member. Anyone who was blessed to know her became part of her family. I will always love and miss you Jenny. The last memory that I have with Mrs.Finney was whenever I was leaving school on Friday and yelled “Love ya Mrs Finney!” The family is in my prayers.