Willie Mae Finkley

Willie Mae Tannyhill was born February 24, 1921 to the union of Marshall and Carrie Tannyhill in Homer, Louisiana. Willie Mae was the younger of the two children and accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at an early age. Willie Mae often spoke of her life in the country as a little girl. As a matter of fact she would tell the story behind her 'nip.' All who knew Willie Mae knew she was serious about her nip. She'll tell you she starting using nip at the age of 5, yes 5! And it was all because she saw her daddy doing it and wanted to be like her favorite person-daddy.

Willie Mae met and fell in love with Timmie Lee Finkley. Their love story lasting 32 years until his death in 1982. They were married October 31, 1950 and united their two families, Lovell and James Ray, Betty Jean Finkley, Johnnie and Frank Jenkins. Their union welcomed Ernestine and Danny Finkley. Willie Mae was a faithful Christian and member of The House of Refuge Church of God Pentecostal, Bishop R.J. Causey.

Willie Mae was an avid fisherwoman and wonderful cook. She enjoyed spending time on Moses Lake in Eastern Washington. Also she loved camping at Cape Horn in Skagit Valley where the family's property was. Affectionately known as Auntie Mae Mae, Big Mama, Grandma Champ and simply Grandma. The Finkley's home was the place to be for love, laughter and great eats. If you knew Willie Mae you had to know she loved kids especially babies. She was a devoted foster mother and The Finkley's had a revolving door for foster kids. Willie Mae simply put service above self. Also known for her 'put it down' pound cake. If you were ever around her you experienced some of her old adages, "Laying straight and hanging tough." This would be her response when you asked her how she was doing. In later years, you'll ask her about her walking cane and she'll quickly respond, "Oh my boyfriend." Then wiped it out and with quick wrists shake it out to extend and proceed to strut. It would make you smile. You had to love her, she was 'Madea' before the mainstream Madea (smile) was made popular. Just ask anyone.

Mother Finkley passed away peacefully at the age of 96 years old with the ever supportive and loving team of A-Z Family Adult Home. She fought valiantly with dementia and the last year with multiple health problems that had her at the level of hospice care.

Willie Mae was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Timmie Lee; her sons, Johnnie L. Jenkins and Frank Jenkins; stepsons, Lovell and James Ray Finkley; step daughter Betty Jean Finkley; brother John Henry Tannyhill; grandson Tirone Finkley. Left to mourn her son, Danny Finkley (Chundranae'); daughter, Ernestine Goston (Terry); daughter in law, Yvonne Jenkins as well as a bounty of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces and extended relatives and friends who loved her dearly.

The Finkley family would like to thank both Open Arms and A-Z Family Adult Homes as well as Providence Elderplace Care Team for their kind and gentle care of Willie Mae over the years. We would also like to extend a special thank you to Michele Anderson-Day for her ongoing love of Willie Mae.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 10:00am at Evergreen Washelli Tribute Center followed by reception in Celebration Hall. Evergreen Washelli, 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133.

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