Bernadine B. Finley

In Loving Memory of Bernadine Finley

April 17, 1927 – February 18, 2026

Bernadine Finley, a cornerstone of the El Paso education and civic community, passed away on February 18, 2026, at the age of 98. Born on April 17, 1927, in Brenham, Texas, to Earl and Cordelia Finley, Bernadine’s life was defined by a profound commitment to learning, faith, and the upliftment of others.

After moving to El Paso with her mother and siblings, Bernadine graduated from the historic Douglas High School. She went on to attend Fisk University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education. Upon her return to El Paso, she began a distinguished 30-year career as an elementary school teacher, with the vast majority of her tenure spent at Cooley Elementary. Her influence as an educator stretched across generations, as she mentored and inspired countless students with her wisdom and grace.

Bernadine’s devotion to her community was equally evident in her spiritual and civic life. A long-standing and faithful member of Shiloh Baptist Church, she served as a Sunday School teacher and was instrumental in establishing the church’s library, ensuring that the gift of reading was available to all.

Alongside her sister, Dorothy, Bernadine was an original member of the Phyllis Wheatley Civic Club, where she worked tirelessly to provide scholarships to deserving high school graduates—a testament to her lifelong mission of opening doors for the youth of El Paso. Furthermore, she was a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., remaining active in their community service initiatives for over 20 years.

Bernadine was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Cordelia Finley, and her beloved brothers: Earl Finley, Mack Finley, Charles Finley, and Wilbur Finley.

Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by her dear sister, Dorothy Ladd; her nephews, Terrence Ladd and Rodney Ladd and his wife, Chandra Ladd; and her great-nephew and great-niece, Blake Ladd and Bianca Ladd. She also leaves behind a host of former students, sorority sisters, and church family who were bettered by her presence.

A Visitation will be from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM with a Funeral Service at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at Shiloh Baptist Church, 3201 Frutas Ave. Interment will follow at 12:30 PM at Memory Gardens of the Valley Cemetery, 4900 McNutt Rd, Santa Teresa, NM 88008. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-East.