Welcome to the memorial page for
Marlyn Lorraine (Florence) Finney
July 28, 1945 ~ May 19, 2016 (age 70) 70 Years OldShare using:
Marlyn Lorraine Florence was born in Brownsville, PA on July 28th, 1945 to the late William Thomas and Anna Louise Florence.
Marlyn was educated in the Brownsville Public Schools, and earned degrees at
Central State (OH) and Wayne State (MI). Marlyn taught for 30 years at Rose School in Detroit, and was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her father placed her in piano lessons for therapy with Mrs. Loretta Hall after her hands were scalded in hot bath water where she quickly mastered the skill. She
worked as a musician in many churches: Mt. Zion AME (PA), Bethany Baptist, Nativity and St. John Lutheran (MI). She played for the Clark Sisters, wrote for Gladys Knight, and was awarded a contract with
Motown, which she declined to raise her family.
Marlyn transitioned peacefully on May 19th, surrounded by her loving family. She leaves to cherish: her “husband” Carroll Finney; two loving daughters, Carla and
Tia Finney; grandson, Demetrius Griffin II; granddaughter, Dominique Griffin; a loving sister Thomasene,
and “brother” Willie Jackson; and a faithful sister Dottie Scott.
A Celebration of Life was held at 11 AM on Saturday, May 27 in Detroit at St. John Lutheran, 4950 Oakman Blvd. 48204.
Friends will be received in the NOVAK FUNERAL HOME 515 Front Street on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 from 9-11:00 AM the hour of service.
Interment Lafayette Memorial Park, Brier Hill, PA
To sign the online guest book log onto www.novakfuneralhome.net
Marlyn was educated in the Brownsville Public Schools, and earned degrees at
Central State (OH) and Wayne State (MI). Marlyn taught for 30 years at Rose School in Detroit, and was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her father placed her in piano lessons for therapy with Mrs. Loretta Hall after her hands were scalded in hot bath water where she quickly mastered the skill. She
worked as a musician in many churches: Mt. Zion AME (PA), Bethany Baptist, Nativity and St. John Lutheran (MI). She played for the Clark Sisters, wrote for Gladys Knight, and was awarded a contract with
Motown, which she declined to raise her family.
Marlyn transitioned peacefully on May 19th, surrounded by her loving family. She leaves to cherish: her “husband” Carroll Finney; two loving daughters, Carla and
Tia Finney; grandson, Demetrius Griffin II; granddaughter, Dominique Griffin; a loving sister Thomasene,
and “brother” Willie Jackson; and a faithful sister Dottie Scott.
A Celebration of Life was held at 11 AM on Saturday, May 27 in Detroit at St. John Lutheran, 4950 Oakman Blvd. 48204.
Friends will be received in the NOVAK FUNERAL HOME 515 Front Street on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 from 9-11:00 AM the hour of service.
Interment Lafayette Memorial Park, Brier Hill, PA
To sign the online guest book log onto www.novakfuneralhome.net
© 2026 Novak-Melenyzer Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved. Funeral Home website by CFS & TA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility