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Virginia (Jenny) Long Finney died on Feb. 29, 2020.

She was born Feb. 19, 1929 to John William Long and Swanna Long of Winston Salem. The family lived on a farm in the Smith Grove area of Davie County before moving back to Winston-Salem.  She joined the Salvation Army and played the cornet in the Salvation Army band and her high school band. She became a Sunday School teacher for youth and led Vacation Bible Schools.  She collected donations for the Salvation Army by playing the tambourine near businesses and was soon promoted to sergeant major. She graduated in 1947 from James A. Gray High School in Winston Salem. She met the love of her life, Richard Hal Finney on a blind date and they were married on June 14, 1947. They became envoys for the Salvation Army and filled in for the officers when needed. They continued their journey in faith service for The Methodist Association, moving their family throughout the North Ccarolina mountains ministering and running many churches while raising five children. They later divorced but her strong will and hard work continued. She continued to raise the children at home, along with taking care of other children, working as a waitress and a cook to support her family. She enjoyed spending time with family and traveling with friends.  She (aka “Nanny”) spent lots of time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who adored and loved her deeply.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; 13 siblings; her son, Richard Hal “Dickie” Finney Jr.; and ex-husband, Richard Hal Finney.

Survivors: daughters Janet (Carol) Lineberry of East Bend, Sharon Wright of Shelby, Patricia Finney of Navarre, Fla. and Rebecca (Della) Hensley of Hickory; grandchildren, Lee (Rhonda) Finney of Boonville, Pamela Lineberry of Clemmons, Julia (Joey) Hare of Yadkinville and David (Wendy) Wright of Shelby; great-grandchildren, Cortland Phillips, Salem Finney, Arden Finney, Tatum Finney, Emma Hare and Gracie Wright.

Her funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 7 and the family will receive friends from 2-2:30 at Gentry Funeral Home, 5108 US 601, Yadkinville. Burial will follow at Charity Baptist Church, 1500 Charity Church Rd, Boonville. She will be buried next to her son.

Memorials: The Salvation Army (give.salvationarmycarolinas.org); or Mountain Valley Hospice (mtnvalleyhospice.org.)