Obituary

Morris Veleska Finley transitioned the morning of February 5, 2024 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the tender age of 60. 

Morris is survived by his wife Marquetta Finley, three daughters Majesty, Moriah, and Mercy Finley of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and siblings Marcia Allen (Allen, TX), Phyllis Tapp (Sand Springs, OK), Pam Finley (Tulsa, OK) and Marcus Finley (Bartlesville, OK). He is preceded in death by his father, March Finley; mother, Lille Mae Finley; and older brother Cornelius Dean Finley.

Morris was born on August 27, 1963 in Pawhuska, Oklahoma to Lillie Mae and March Finley. Morris graduated from Mclain High School in 1981. Morris met Marquetta in 2002 and married in 2005 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The couple welcomed three beautiful daughters raising them up to love God and teaching them to love and respect others.  Morris’ children remember him as a funny, fun, and wise dad who loved them dearly and encouraged and supported each one of them to pursue their goals.

After serving a long career in the food and hospitality industry, Morris obtained his national certification as Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) and became the Director of Dining Services at University Village.  Morris enjoyed working at what he affectionately called “UV”and would come home bragging about his department shouting “Dietary Baby!”.  He was greatly valued and cherished by the leadership and team at University Village and had the opportunity to work for UV for over a decade.  

Morris read the word of God each morning and exemplified love thy neighbor as thyself. Morris was a worshiper.  He loved worshiping God.  He never met a stranger. Morris used the mantle on his life to open doors of opportunity for many people without expecting a reward because he believed in uplifting and serving others. He was a great leader, an avid Dallas Cowboys, Boston Celtics, and Boston Red Sox fan, a nature lover, and enjoyed cookies and cakes.  He was thoughtful, wise, and had a strong voice that was memorable.  His bold, joyful, and energetic personality could fill a room like a ray of sunshine and many people referred to him as “the life of the party.”.  As we bid farewell to this remarkable soul, let us take comfort in the memories he leaves behind and the lessons he imparted, reminding us to cherish each moment, find joy in the simple pleasures, and embrace the beauty of life that he so dearly cherished.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 23, 11:00 a.m., at Antioch Baptist Church, 110 W 56th St N, Tulsa, OK 74126, followed by interment at Green Acres Memorial Gardens.