Kay Beth Finley

Kay Beth Finley, 71, of Sedalia, MO passed away Saturday, January 15, 2022 at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, KS. She was born on December 16, 1950 in Sedalia, the daughter of Herman William President and Alberta Arletta Mae (Ferguson) President, who preceded her in death.

On June 5, 1971 in Sedalia, she was united in marriage to George Darwin Finley, who resides in the home.

One could write a book, but still never have enough words to describe the beauty of Kay Beth Finley. Born and raised in Sedalia, MO, Kay grew up attending Quinn Chapel AME church until it closed. She volunteered her time directing the men’s choir at Wards Memorial prior to joining Taylor Chapel, where she attended until her passing. Filled with a passion to work, Kay dedicated her time as an employee for Prudential, where she enjoyed 26 years as a service coordinator before her early retirement.

Kay and her beloved high school sweetheart Darwin Finley built and shared a beautiful life together for more than 50 years. Throughout their half-century plus together, they spent time traveling and taking cruises making memories and plans to see the world together. Along with being a loving wife, she was also a proud and loving mother of three children who she showed unconditional love to since birth.

Kay also loved to sew and enjoyed creating little projects in her spare time. She was a master chef in the kitchen, and would often create meals that would have one going back for round two. Kay lived a very social life and loved talking to her friends on a regular basis as well as other members in the community. Simply put, she LOVED people. When possible, she enjoyed watching and hearing about her grandchildren doing well in sports, and attended events prior to her illness. Being the loving daughter and sister that she was, Kay spent several years as a caregiver for her mother and helped her sister and brothers when needed.

Though she didn't have a favorite color, Kay was into fashion and she loved style. It was no secret that clothes and shoes were at the top of her list and she had lots and lots of them. Kay was also an educator, and acted as an honorary speaker at Smith-Cotton High School where she taught Black History.

She loved listening to music and watching old movies with her husband during the day and late at night. Some of those movies included; Columbo, Perry Mason, The Rifleman, and Rawhide to name a few. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing games with her family and friends, getting zoned out while playing Ruzzle on her iPad, and playing golf on the Wii. Though she never reacted well to losing, she was always a great sport. To put her mark on things, Kay LOVED her stickers and labeled EVERYTHING!!!! It irritated the heck out of her husband Darwin, but love made it easier to tolerate.

Kay absolutely adored being a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She will forever be missed by many, but will always remain in our hearts forever. We love you Kay, please rest well until we are together again.

Along with her husband she is survived by three children, Angela Finley-Barker of Dayton, OH, Christopher Finley (Ilaria) of Naples, FL, and George Finley, Jr. of Marshall, MO; seven grandchildren, Kayela, Tabetha, Timothy, Keosha, Christian, Cameron, and Marisol; three great grandchildren, Mariah, Kennedy, and Saniyah; a sister, Gwendolyn Thompson (Joseph) of Port St. Lucie, FL; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Herman President Jr. and Albert President; four sisters, Sally Johnson, Barbara Piper, Carol Sue Stimage, Lilah Taylor, and Patti Jo President; and a grandchild Christopher Finley, Jr.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 22, 2022 at Taylor Chapel Church with Pastor Calvin Pritchard officiating. Pallbearers will be Cameron Finley, Christian Finley, David Herndon, Malik Herndon, Zach Herndon, Timothy Barker, Steve Overton and Christopher Finley.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Kidney Foundation, American Liver Foundation, or to the American Heart Association in care of Rea Funeral Chapel.

The family will be receiving friends at the repast being held at The Venue, 219 South Ohio, Sedalia following service. Please come join in fellowship and Celebration of Kay Beth’s life.