A Life of Love, Leadership, and Lasting Legacy

Connie Marie Finley, 77, of Azle, Texas, passed away Thursday, October 1, 2026, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of love, friendship, leadership, and service to public education. Connie lived a life defined by meaningful relationships, unwavering loyalty, and a remarkable ability to see the best in others.

Celebration of Life: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 7, 2026, Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of Connie’s remarkable life at Biggers Funeral Chapel, 6100 Azle Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76135.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the organizations Connie most cherished:

Saint Jude - https://www.stjude.org/donate

Spiritual Wildlife Rescue: Moon Taylor 817-422-6080 Link

Dallas Dog Rescue Rehab Reform - https://www.dallasdog.org/

Together, we will honor a life beautifully lived, a love generously shared, and a legacy that will endure for generations.

Born March 9, 1949, in Houston, Texas, to Bruce and Charlotte Fisher Finley, Connie grew up in a family she deeply treasured. She was the only sister to her two brothers, Ray “Scooter” Finley and Kent Finley, whom she adored. Family was always at the center of Connie’s life, and her devotion to those she loved never wavered.

Connie graduated from Abilene Cooper High School in 1967, where her talents shone both athletically and artistically. A gifted athlete, she was a member of a 4A state championship volleyball team. She was equally talented in the fine arts, serving as a drum major. Her competitive spirit, determination, and natural leadership were evident from an early age.

Following high school, Connie attended Texas Woman’s University, graduating in 1971. She earned teaching certifications in health and physical education and special education in 1976, followed by her school administrator certification in 1992.

Connie devoted more than three decades of her life to educating children and developing leaders. She began her educational journey as a teacher, including serving as a special education teacher at Lena Pope and as a science teacher in Keller Independent School District from 1979 to 1987 and served as an assistant principal at Fossil Hill Middle School from 1987-1990.

In 1990, Connie began her distinguished career with Northwest Independent School District, where she served as the principal of Haslet Elementary School and later was the founding Principal of Sonny and Allegra Nance Elementary School. She retired in May 2011 after a remarkable career dedicated to students, teachers, and the communities she served.

Throughout her career, Connie championed innovative educational practices, including the New Jersey Writing Project and Capturing Kids’ Hearts. She understood that meaningful learning began with meaningful relationships. Her schools were places where children were valued, teachers were empowered, and relationships were the foundation of success.

Yet Connie’s greatest professional legacy cannot be measured by titles, years of service, or the schools she led. Her greatest gift was her ability to recognize potential in others and inspire them to become more than they ever imagined possible.

The mascot at both Elementary Schools was an Eagle, she believed it was her mission to help everyone soar! She mentored teachers who became administrators, assistant principals who became principals, and principals who grew into district leaders. Through each of these individuals, her influence continued to multiply, positively impacting countless students and strengthening public education for generations to come.

Connie believed deeply that relationships were the key to improving our schools, our communities, and ultimately our world. Anyone who knew her felt an authentic connection. She had an extraordinary way of making people feel seen, valued, and loved.

Connie loved BIG and gave the best hugs.

She was fiercely loyal to her family and close friends. She adored her nephews Chance, Michael and Marcus and her niece, Kelley. Watching them grow up and being their Aunt was a role she treasured. She was so proud of her brother’s children and their families. Connie shared her closest bond with her beloved mother, Charlotte, who lived with her during the past few years. Their time together was filled with companionship, love, and mutual support, a treasured reflection of the special relationship they shared.

Connie believed that family was not defined solely by blood, but by the love, loyalty, and relationships that bind people together. Whether connected by birth, friendship, or the family she embraced as her own, Connie made certain that those she loved knew they belonged.

Among her most treasured relationships was the special bond she shared with her dearest friend, Maria “Lupe” Quintanar. Their friendship was a beautiful reflection of Connie’s unwavering loyalty and the depth of love she had for those she considered family.

She considered the entire Villines family as her own extended family, sharing in their celebrations, milestones, challenges, and everyday moments. She also found immense joy in her adopted, “grand blessings,” Brylan and Ryker Villines. She was a grandmother by choice, loving them wholeheartedly. MeMe Connie was not simply a title of affection; it represented a lifelong bond and a grandmother’s love that will forever remain part of who they are. Connie demonstrated that the most meaningful families are often created through love.

Connie’s contributions to public education and her community are immeasurable. Her legacy lives on in every educator she encouraged, every leader she developed, every child whose future was shaped by her influence, and every friend and family member who experienced her extraordinary love.

There are those who spend their lives making a living, and there are those who spend their lives making a difference. Connie Marie Finley spent her life making a difference.

She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to ripple through generations, which is a testament to the power of relationships, the importance of public education, and the extraordinary impact of one person who believed in others.

Connie loved fiercely, led courageously, and lived purposefully. Her impact cannot be measured, her love will never be forgotten, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Connie was preceded in death by her father, Bruce Wayne Finley; her two brothers, Bruce Kent Jr and Roy Wayne (Scooter) Finley.

She is survived by her beloved mother, Charlotte Fisher Finley; and her cherished nieces, nephews and extended family; Nephew, Doctor Chance Finley and wife, Kristi and children Payton Michelle, Lance Ryan, and Luke Wright; her niece, Kelley Finley Vieth and her husband, Tory Vieth and their children Jack Finley and Brett August Vieth; nephew, Marcus Wayne Finley and wife, Sara and son, Hudson Alexander Finley; nephew, Michael Paul Finley; friend, Jenny Lemes, and children, Brayden Edward and Teagan Marie Finley

She also leaves behind her dearest friend, Maria “Lupe” Quintanar; her beloved grand-blessings, Brylan and Ryker Villines; and a remarkable circle of lifelong friends, colleagues, and loved ones who became family through the extraordinary gift of knowing Connie.