Evelyn Annette Mason went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at home while being cared for by her children and Elara Caring Hospice Staff. The tender age of 83.
Annette was born to Junice Gilbert Mason and Evelyn Juneal (Mason) Thompson in Gilliam MO. She received her education at the elementary and high schools in Slater, MO. Her younger sister gave her the nickname “Messcat” since her eyes were green. She worked at the State School in Marshall MO, and a bakery in Higginsville, MO. In May 1966, she moved to Topeka with the love of her life husband William Earl Finley SR and two children. When her husband passed away, she cared for her two children alone and met her lifelong friend of 40 years Joyce Gaines in New Town apartments. She and other mothers loved hosting fun events for the children in the community. Annette adopted the nickname “Nettie”. She was a devoted and compassionate foster mother and strived to make a change in the live of those children that lived in her home. They all including her grandchildren called her “Gannie”. She was known for cooking the best good old peach cobbler!
Annette completed her formal education with an associate degree at Kansas State University. She worked in a host of positions (Good Years Tires, State Office Building and managed a childcare center) before landing at her last place of employment Kansas Neurological Institute (KNI) where she dedicated 25 years before she retired. She held several positions but her favorite position was in the Work Activity Center where she assumed full ownership of the thrift store “Oldies but Goodies” that later evolved to “Hidden Treasures Mall” and remains open on KNI’s campus. During this venture she survived colon cancer by the grace of God, while being dedicated to the successful operation of both businesses. She enjoyed and cherished the relationships she had with the staff.
Annette was a faithful member of True Light Church Ministries, Topeka KS. She loved her Pastor and First Lady Gregory and Linda Durant and attending Worship service until her health declined. She enjoyed both serving on the Mothers Board and the Kitchen Committee. Annette was an honorary Usher. She was extremely excited to see her daughter (Katherine) ordained and her youngest brother (Larry) baptized.
Annette is survived by family members: sister Mary Ann Mason, Slater MO and two brothers: Robert Jr. Mason, Washington DC, and Larry Gilbert Mason, Belleville IL, three children: Dirk Wardell Mason, Shawnee Mission KS, Katherine (Williams) Evans, Topeka, KS and William Earl Finley JR, Topeka KS, grandchildren: Anita Mason, Austin TX, Ai’mee Finley, Sacramento CA, Treykia’ Pollard, Topeka KS, Erick Mason, Omaha NE, Shawn Mason, Oklahoma City OK, Trevante Smith, Scottsdale AR, Robert Finley, San Leandro CA: niece and nephew: Evelyn Sheppard, James Mason, O’Fallon IL, and a host of great grandchildren, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and foster children.
Extended Family Members Honors: Antionette (Toni) Woods, Shawn Woods, Tanya Woods and Tara Lynn Miller all in Topeka KS; nephews: Micheal Jackson, Denver Co, Marshall Woods, Columbia South Carolina, Tra’mel Woods, Columbia South Carolina, Shaquille McCain (godson), Charlotte North Carolina, Camryn Goudeau, Topeka, KS, Drake (DJ) Woods JR, Topeka KS, LeAndre Williams, Topeka Ks, nieces: Maliya Jackson, Topeka KS, Aries Woods, Wichita KS, Aziza Woods, Houston TX, Anitra Weaver, Topeka KS, Sentia Woods, Topeka KS, Tyesha Taylor, Topeka KS, Tamika Woods, Topeka KS.
Annette was preceded in death by husband William Finley SR, both parents: Junice Mason and Evelyn Thompson, stepfather: Wilbur Thompson, sister-in-law: Sheigko Mason, daughter-in-law: Denise Mason, grandson: Aaron Jamal Finley, and extended family members: Joyce Gaines and Drake (Butch) Woods.
