The pastor of Greater St. James Baptist Church and Mount Canaan Baptist Church, he died Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011, at his home surrounded by his family. He was 74, a native of Sicily Island and a resident of Baton Rouge. He was also a retired employee with the East Baton Rouge Parish school system. He was educated in Catahoula Parish. Before graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was a Korean War veteran. He later returned to school and graduated from Rosenwald High School in Sicily Island as the salutatorian of his class. He also attended Grambling State University. He gave his life to Christ at age 9 and was baptized by the late Rev. H.P. Jenkins at New Zion Baptist Church in Sicily Island. At age 13, he became assistant superintendent of the Sunday school, and served on the Junior Usher Board. He always had a servant's heart. He was a lead singer with "The Gospel Melotones." He later moved his membership to Gloryland Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, where he served in many capacities including choir member, Sunday school teacher and deacon. He accepted the Master's call to the ministry, and on Oct. 18, 1975, was ordained as an associate minister by the late Rev. Dr. John D. Lands. In 1976, he enrolled as a student at Christian Bible College of Louisiana and subsequently received his bachelor's of theology and master's of theology. He later received his doctorate of divinity from Inter-Baptist Theological Center of Houston on June 2, 1981. He dedicated his life to service and as such, was elected to pastor Greater St. James Baptist Church and Mount Canaan Baptist Church. He served as vice president and instructor of Christian Bible College of Louisiana. He was a Master Mason 32nd degree with the Blazing Star No. 114 F&AM Prince Hall Affiliation. He served as the financial secretary for the Fourth District Baptist Association until his health began to fail. He was also a member of the East Baton Rouge Parish Ministers Conference and the National Baptist Convention. Visiting at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 185 Eddie Robinson Sr. Drive, on Sunday, Sept. 25, from 3 p.m. until funeral services at 6 p.m., conducted by the Rev. Dr. Edward Howard. Dismissal on Monday, Sept. 26, at 10 a.m., with interment in Southern Memorial Gardens. He will always be loved and remembered by his loving and devoted children, Vernetta and husband Donald Carmouche, Shonda, and Joseph Finister, all of Baton Rouge; daughter-in-law, Donna Phillips-Finister, of Baton Rouge; a brother, Joe Henry Finister, of Pittsburg, Calif.; three sisters, Queen Esther McDougall, of Houston, Francis Watson, of Sicily Island, and Emma Jean Brooks, of Wisner; and three brothers-in-law, Stone Wall Jackson, of Sicily Island, and Leonce Jr. and wife Ella Vallery, and Paul and wife Carolyn Vallery, all of Baton Rouge. He was preceded in death by his beloved and devoted wife of 37 years, Elaine Rosa Finister; parents, Frank Finister and Minnie Douglas Watson; a son, Willie Mac Finister Jr.; two brothers, Charles Douglas and Huey Finister; and a sister, Rachel Finister Jackson. Arrangements by Winnfield Funeral Home, 7221 Plank Road, Baton Rouge, (225) 357-2675.
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Netta and Shonda, I was saddened to hear of the death of your father. I will always remember hanging out at your house in our "younger days" and being enthralled by the sound of your father's booming voice. May the peace of God comfort you during this time.
Rachel Richard (Beshears)
Rachel Richard - Jackson
October 24, 2011
I woke up this morning with Pastor Finister on my mind, and then I knew he was gone. He helped so through hard and trying times, and was always a source of inspiration to me and many other preachers and pastors. His smile and kind words will be greatly missed. Our heart and our prayers are for the family and the churches in which he pastored. May God bless and keep is our prayers.
Lenard McCray
October 23, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief. May God bless you is our prayer and may the memories of Rev bring you comfort. He will be missed by many. With heartfelt sympathy,
Kenneth & Angela Trusclair- Moore & Family
September 29, 2011
AMEN.
Janice B Jackson
September 27, 2011
Rev. Finister (Rev.) was there to counsel me, he was there when my first and only child was born, he was even there for my entire family at the passing of my mother of which Rev performed the service. Rev. was always in a good mood with a smile on his face. He was concerned and wanted to know how everyone was doing when every he saw me. We would just talk and talk and talk. He never seem to be tired of our conversation. And last but not lease he was an advocate of christian education. Not being able to cross his path here...things will not be the same. The Jackson family (April, Janice, Cathy, Cookie, Karen, Kenya)we will never forget Rev.
Family you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God continue to bless you in this time of sorrow.
April Hawkins
September 27, 2011
May God bless and comfort you in your time of sorrow, my family and I will miss Rev. FINISTER dearly.
Maria Mamon
September 26, 2011
To the Finister Family,
I was so sadden when I heard about the loss of Rev. Finister. He will be greatly missed! I pray that the love of God and his memory will keep your heart and mind during this difficult time.
Rep. Regina Barrow
September 26, 2011
To the Finister family our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. God Bless and Keep you Always.
Jessie, Feltus Jr. & Demetria Delone
September 25, 2011
Rev Finister will be greatly missed. I appreciate him for all he stood for. I remember being a little girl singing in the choir, his message was always very powerful. I am forever grateful, for it helped shape me into a godly woman. God bless, my prayers are with this family.
Karen Eubanks
September 25, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Beverly & Rickey Skidmore
September 25, 2011
Our Prayers and thoughts are with you during this time. Rev. Finister will be greatly missed. May God hold and keep you all.
Warren/Bernadine LeBrane
September 25, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
ALICE FAYE TURNER
September 25, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Bernice Richardson-Sideboard
September 24, 2011
Shonda and Family,
Thinking of you in sympathy and prayers. May God's grace comfort and strengthen you today and in the days to come. Reverend Finister was a joy to be acquainted with. God Bless.
Howard, Sr. and Beverly Carter & Family
Howard Carter, Sr
September 24, 2011
The Finister Family,
my thoughts and prayers are with you in this lyour time of sorrow. You are already Blessed in the Lord.
Larry K. Horton
September 24, 2011
Shonda & Family,
So sorry to hear about your lost. Rev. Finister was my first pastor in Baton Rouge.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family
Belva Reaves
September 24, 2011
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Shenita Williams-Scott and Family
September 24, 2011
My Heart is full today as well as yesterday. When i look back over my life and the years i spent with Rev Finister and First Lady Elaine at Mt Cannaan .What a wonder time in my life and my children"s life,I will never ever forget them not only were they my Spiritual Leaders but they were Family,I will always keep this family in my prayers,and Shonda i miss u .Daddy is in a BETTER Place,no more pain,no more worries and your mom is their to WELCOME him with OPEN ARMS.
Ella Moore
September 24, 2011
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Louvenia Lewis
September 24, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Annie Lee Richardson Williams
September 24, 2011
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Kevin, Carolyn and Kevin Joseph Martin
September 24, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Barbara Tolliver
September 24, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Irene(Solomon) Mcknight
September 24, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Fred(Dorothy) Wilson
September 24, 2011
Frank(Barbara) Jarvis
September 24, 2011
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