Mark works with the Adoue St. church of Christ in Alvin, TX, where he serves as both evangelist and an elder. His email address is markmayberry@outlook.com, and his Bible Study website is www.markmayberry.net.

Introduction

Mary Frances Finley was born on Tuesday, September 30, 1924 and passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2016, having lived a total of 91 years, 7 months, and 4 days. How do you calculate the impact of a well-lived life such as that of sister Finley? What can we say to capture the essence of one who was so loving and so loved? God's Word provides guidance. Let us briefly consider the example of Tabitha, who was also called Dorcas, whose life is recorded in Acts 9:36-42.

Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did (v. 36).

Joppa was an ancient seaport city located along the coast of Palestine, about 35 miles west of Jerusalem. In the New Testament era, Joppa was home to a certain disciple named Tabitha. Of Aramaic origin, Tabitha refers to "gazelle, a graceful animal with large bright eyes." In Greek, she was called "Dorcas."

Alvin is a pleasant community of 24,000, located about 31 miles south of Houston. Among its residents was a disciple named Mary Frances Finley, wife of a faithful gospel preacher, mother of three beloved daughters and one well-respected son, "Granny" to a wonderful group of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a good neighbor to those who lived nearby, and dear friend of countless fellow Christians, members of the Adoue Street congregation, and those scattered across this great country.

Like the Tabitha/Dorcas of Scripture, Frances Finley was a woman of action, constantly doing things for others, engaged in sewing projects, preparing meals, writing cards, encouraging others, all from a heart of kindness and love.

How do you summarize such a life in one sentence? Kathy Owings recalls, "As a child, I remember our home had an open door to members of the church; mom could put together a meal or refreshments on a moment's notice, with a minimum of fuss, and a spirit of welcome that I can still feel." Anne Stevens relates, "Mother was an encourager." Sherelyn Mayberry states, "Momma loved God first, and her neighbors as herself; therefore, she served all those she loved with acts of kindness and words of wisdom." Mark concurred, "She worked as a homemaker, devoting her life in service to her family, her brethren, and her Lord." Alan affirms, "Mom quietly went about doing good"; Julie adds, "She led a humble and powerful life."

It happened at that time that she (Tabitha/Dorcas) fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him, "Do not delay in coming to us." So Peter arose and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them (Acts 9:37-39).

In the first century, the apostles of Jesus Christ were empowered by the Holy Spirit to reveal and confirm the gospel of Jesus Christ (John 14:26; 16:13; Acts 2:42-43; Heb. 2:1-4). Accordingly, when Dorcas fell sick and died, the disciples sent to Joppa, summoning Simon Peter to come unto them. Arriving at Lydda, they brought him into the upper room, where the body of the deceased was laid. All the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them.

Frances was an expert seamstress, talented in sewing, and assorted handcrafts. Many of us have received hand-made gifts from sister Finley, useful and beautiful objects, that were an expression of affection and love. If everyone showed the gifts they have received from Frances, we would need to rent a large room in order to display the quilts and blankets, bags, jackets, wall-hangings, and various crocheted objects.

But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. It became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord (vv. 40-42).

Having been baptized with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, Simon Peter and the other apostles were empowered to perform miracles that served to confirm their message. Signs and wonders were performed so that men and women might believe (John 11:11-15).

We live in an age in which Gospel Truth has been fully revealed. We are earnestly to contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints (Jude 3). Accordingly, temporary measures, such as gifts of prophecy and miraculously bestowed knowledge, speaking in tongues, and gifts of healing, have served their purpose, and should be viewed as historical facts rather than present realities. Through the inspired message of truth, we have access to the revelation of Jesus Christ, the perfect law of liberty (1 Cor. 13:8-10; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; James 1:25).

In the New Testament, we also read of the resurrection of Lazarus, the daughter of Jairus, and the son of the widow of Nain (John 11:30-45; Luke 8:41-56; 7:11-17). Yet, each of these individuals subsequently died again. In contrast, faithful Christians hope for a resurrection even greater than that which was experienced by Dorcas, Lazarus, and others who were so blessed. We hope for a resurrection unto eternal life (1 Cor. 15:35-49; Phil. 3:8-16).

What sort of legacy are you leaving? How will you be remembered? Are you prepared, as was sister Finley, to meet the Lord in judgment (Heb. 9:27-28)? If not, please understand that her deepest wish would be for you to be right with God, to walk by faith, to live for Christ, to prepare for that great and glorious day.

When news spread of sister Finley's passing, the family received an outpouring of love and support. Thanks especially to the beloved members of the Adoue Street congregation for the many ways in which they offered assistance. I wish we could share all the expressions of fond remembrance that came from those who had known Frances.

Richard and Pauline King, life-long friends of the Finleys, said, "Your mother was the finest example of a godly woman we have ever known. She and your father were role models for us. We loved both of them."

Consider the response from a young preacher's wife, to the aforementioned statement that I made at Frances' passing: "She worked as a homemaker, devoting her life in service to her family, her brethren, and her Lord." She said, "What a beautiful tribute to a woman I've never met, but has inspired me, that the same might be said of me when my earthly life is over. Love to all of you."

Finally, reflect upon a note received from a young Christian who (through a succession of errors) is serving a long prison sentence: "More than a couple of times have I received cards from Frances since my imprisonment. And those very cards I still have. Even in her grief, she reached out to give me hope that God is with me. Though the passing of Ernest saddened her deeply, yet she desired to comfort me! Touched was my heart by the care she has always shown me."

Frances was, indeed, an inspiration to many. We are all richer in faith, hope, and love for having known her. Younger Christian women especially benefited by her example. We offer these fond reflections, trusting that her godly influence will live on in the lives of those she touched directly or indirectly.

If you wish to listen to the memorial service for Frances Finley, in which the Scripture readings, songs, and prayers were led by her grandsons, see a picture slideshow of her life, or read Jimmy Steven's personal tribute to this wonderful lady, go to http://markmayberry.net/?p=2392.