Obituary: BETTY JEAN RAKES FINNEY

By ADMIN-RAS | Published November 28, 2022 | No Comments

Betty Jean Rakes Finney, 84, of Eden entered Heaven’s gate on Saturday, November 26th 2022. We know she’s dancing in Heaven…

A memorial service will be held at Fair Funeral Home Chapel, Saturday, December 3rd at 3pm. A visitation will be from 2-3pm for the family to receive family and friends.

She was loved and cared for by her two daughters, Debra Lynn Finney and Lisa Finney Griffith and son-in-law David Griffith, all of Eden.
She adored her two grandchildren Joshua Robert Doss (wife Shea Earles Doss) and Elizabeth Geneva Doss Milligan (husband Matthew Milligan) and great-grandson Jake Alexander Doss, who all called her “Granny Beach”. Sadly, her soon to be born great grandson Dean Matthew Milligan will miss making memories with Great Granny Beach.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dillard Jackson Finney of Happy Home.

Betty was the last remaining child of Burry and Maggie Lou (Johnson) Rakes. Born November 28th, 1937, Betty had 13 siblings: Alpha, Elva, Lorene, Mable, Edith, Virginia, Samuel and Sanford, Jessie, Thomas, Wallace, Rob and her dear closest sister Frances Rakes Corum Fagg. All were brought up in the Draper area at the end of “Ferry Road” which is now Stadium Drive.
After her husbands retirement, they lived in Myrtle Beach SC and Kissimmee FL until his death in 1992. She then moved to the Washington DC area. She was employed for 14 years at The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington DC. She worked there during the William Jefferson Clinton and the George W. Bush presidencies.

Retiring at age 70, she then moved back to her hometown of what is now Eden, to live in her own cottage on her daughter Lisa’s land. This next chapter of her life was made quite enjoyable when she joined the Line Dancing group “The Mama’s and the Papas” later known as the “Rockin’ Caroliners”. They were 5 times County and State Champions. All of her team members were so special to her and especially her best friend, Nancy Strong always held a special place in her heart.

Among her many interests, dancing, reading, playing games (Cornhole, Bocce Ball, Pickleball, and board games) and visiting with friends, were some of her favorite things to do. She also enjoyed the annual Halloween Party at her home, and special events where her eyes and smile always shined.

In lieu of flowers please make a love donation to Hospice of Rockingham County or to Rockingham County Animal Shelter in her name.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com

###