Phyllis D. Finley passed away on April 22, 2026. Born on February 23, 1941, in Selmer, Tennessee, to Cecil and Wanna Mae Carpenter. She was a graduate of Bethel Springs High School. On September 24, 1960, she was united in marriage to Roy Neal Finley, with whom she shared thirty-five years of life before his passing on August 12, 1995. A devoted member of Adamsville First Baptist Church, Phyllis lived out her faith through action, teaching Sunday School and spending many joyful summers working in Vacation Bible School. Her professional life was defined by her service to the children of her community, working for thirty-two years in the cafeteria at Adamsville Elementary School.

Outside of her career, Phyllis was well known throughout the area for her baking, specifically her teacakes, pecan pies, and monkey bread. Her hands were rarely still; she could often be found gardening, sewing, or working on word search and jigsaw puzzles. She possessed a great love for travel, southern gospel singings, and the quiet comfort of reading her Bible. Above all, her heart belonged to her family. She cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, leaving them with a legacy of love and the memory of a woman who cared for everyone she met. The family would like to extend special recognition to Sharon Wilson, who provided dedicated care and companionship to Phyllis over the past five years.

Phyllis is survived by her children: daughter Angie Pickens of Adamsville, daughter Connie Baker and husband Lynn of Michie, son Terry Finley and wife Tina of Savannah, and daughter Bridget Merry and husband James of Michie. She was the proud grandmother of Jennifer Pickens, Tony Pickens (Cierra), Mary Beth Haynes (Nathan), Jed Baker, Jill Burks (Tim), Carson Finley (Kendall), Willow Merry, Laurel Merry, Reed Merry, and Moss Merry. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Sawyer, Trinity, David, Jordan, and Sophia Pickens; Maelee, Derrick, and Brodie Haynes; Aiden Crider, Asa and Coley Bell Baker; and Avery, Haddie Mae, Ruthie, Birdie, and Mittie Roe Burks. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roy Neal Finley; her brothers, Robert Lee, Montie Earl, and Ernest Carpenter; and her sister, Betty Sue Cone.