Delores J. Finley

Delores Jean (Burnett) Finley, affectionately known as “Butter,” was born on December 29, 1945, in Alton, Illinois, to the union of Elder James Burnett and Clementine (Brown) Burnett. She was one of twelve children— nine girls and three boys—and grew up surrounded by the love of a large, close-knit family. She was preceded in death by her parents, and honorary daughter, Angel. A lifelong member of The Church of the Living God (PGOTT), Delores truly loved the Lord and lived her faith daily. She met the love of her life, Louis Finley II, and they were united in holy matrimony on March 20, 1965. They shared many years together until Louis’s passing, after which Delores relocated to Independence, Missouri. Their marriage was blessed with four loving children—two sons and two daughters. Delores was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend. Her selfless spirit guided her in every role she held. She worked in housekeeping and later served in the infirmary at the convent, where she cared for the sisters at St. Anthony’s Hospital until her retirement. Her nurturing nature and gentle strength made her perfectly suited for every responsibility she embraced. She had a radiant smile that could light up any room and warm hugs that seemed to last forever. Delores loved her family deeply and was known for her kindness, forgiveness, and generosity. To anyone who entered her home, she became a mother for the day, offering comfort, care, and love without hesitation. Words cannot truly capture the depth of her compassion or the impact she made on those blessed to know her. Delores’s legacy of faith, love, and service will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. Delores was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Louis Finley II; her parents, Elder James Burnett and Clementine (Brown) Burnett; two brothers, James Burnett Jr., Royce Burnett Sr; three sisters, Pearline Dorsey, Deborah Taylor, Rosetta Jacobs; brother-in-law, Fred Woods Sr., and sister-in-law, Lois Burnett. She leaves to cherish her precious memories, two sons, Louis Finley III, Alphe Finley Sr. of Alton, IL; two daughters , Crystal (Shawn) Cleveland of Independence, MO, Tamiko Carter of Alton, IL; eight grandchildren, Alphe Finley Jr., Derrick Carter Jr., Joshua Bradley, Tyler Cleveland, Shyann Cleveland, Brooklynn, Rangel, Jayda Carter, Lauren Carter; two great-grandchildren, Nova Hood, and Harmony Finley; one brother, Walter Burnett Sr. (Jamie) of Springfield, IL; five sisters, Joyce Woods of Godfrey, IL, Timmy Adams of Alton, IL, Alyce Buford of Dallas, GA, Jamie Foster of Alton, IL, Lynn (Carson) Ingram of Alton, IL. She will be fondly remembered by her special nephew, Elder Eric Burnett; her special son, Shawn Cleveland; honorary sons, Sergio and Derrick Sr. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Delores J. Finley

December 29, 1945 - August 10, 2025