The Footprint of Excellent Faith

Nancy Finley Barbour

"Our faith shouldn't be worn on our sleeve; it should be woven into the fabric of our character."

Nona Jones

"Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way. In character, in manner, in style, with high intention and sincere effort in all things…excellence is never an accident." Nancy left her footprint of excellence wherever she walked.

Nancy Finley Barbour, the youngest daughter of the late Floyd R. Finley III and Ella Washington Finley, was born on January 22, 1963 in Winchester, Va. Deeply rooted in her small-town values of family, faith, friendship, and community, Nancy branched out to love, serve, inspire, and impact every person, institution, cause, and organization she encountered.

Nancy was educated in the Winchester Public Schools. Not surprisingly, she was one of those students whose report card often read, "talks too much in class." However, she loved school from the beginning of her education at Virginia Avenue Elementary, through her graduation from John Handley High School in 1981. Nancy laid the foundation for her life of service and activism during high school. She was selected as "Best All-Around" by her classmates, as well as "Basketball Sweetheart". Her many activities included: SGA class officer, cheerleader, yearbook staff, Booster Club, Hilltop Singers, playing the clarinet for the Marching Judges, and Anchor Club. Nancy's favorite high school memories, however, revolved around socializing with

her dear classmates. She was instrumental in planning gatherings to ensure that the

bonds formed in high school remained intact. Recently, she posted about her favorite teacher, Mrs. Louberta Weatherton, who Nancy still spoke highly of after all these years.

Nancy began her faith walk at an early age at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, in Winchester, VA actively participating in Sunday School and the Junior and Youth Choirs. Nancy would continue her fellowship at Antioch Baptist Church, in Fairfax Station, Va. serving as a member of the Usher Board. As a devoted church member, Nancy was well versed in scriptures and hymnals and a memorable moment occurred when as a member of a community choir, Celebration Delegation, she had the honor of singing at the 2 ^nd Inauguration of President William Clinton.

Nancy's love for higher learning led her to James Madison University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 1985. While at JMU, she entered Greek life as a Golden Lady (Alpha Sweetheart) and in Fall 1983, was initiated into the Iota Alpha Chapter of her beloved Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She would also be a member of the JMU Dukettes and the gospel choir. After graduation, she served in several leadership roles with JMU's Black Alumni Chapter and remained an active member. Her commitment and connection to Iota Alpha remained strong, helping in roles as graduate advisor and committee chair for anniversary celebrations.   She continued her learning, earning her Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Management Information Systems from the University of Maryland University College in 2001.

Upon graduation from college, Nancy began working in Special Education at Grafton Integrated Health Network. In 1996, Nancy transitioned to the Information Technology field where she would work more than 30 years in a variety of skilled positions, most recently as a Senior Consultant with CGI since 2007.

On November 25, 2000, Nancy married Paul Barbour and from their union, a beautiful daughter, Robin Lindsey Barbour was born.  Needless to say, Lindsey was the apple of her eye and they were extremely close.

Seeing the need for executive training and mentoring for young women, Nancy founded Code Success in 2007.  Under her leadership and guidance, Code Success empowered countless women to advance in their careers.

Nancy's outreach was just starting…she served as a member of numerous county, educational, and non-profit organizations and perhaps the largest beneficiary were the communities she served tirelessly. In Winchester, VA, Nancy volunteered annually for the Queens Court of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival. She supported the Winchester Black History and Heritage Committee and the Douglass Alumni Association for decades. She continually served and supported Mount Carmel Baptist Church, even after moving to Ashburn.  It was not uncommon for her to attend two services monthly at Mount Carmel. She also supported the Showers for Souls initiative, where unhoused Winchester residents are offered the ability to bathe and enjoy a meal in a safe and nurturing environment.

She founded with the support of her family, the Floyd R. Finley, III Scholarship Fund shortly after the death of her father. Its annual golf tournament raised tens of thousands of dollars to support graduating John Hanley High School students to pursue higher education or technical training, for almost two decades.

Nancy was a key organizer for the annual Finley Family Reunion in Winchester, spearheading the most recent 43 ^rd Reunion the weekend of July 23 ^rd , 2022.

Her footprint moved to Northern VA, where Nancy was a charter and active member of the Loudoun County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and has been active with the Social Action Committee for more than 30 years. Nancy has organized and spoken at political, empowerment and educational workshops. Nancy has worked on several political campaigns, most recently serving as the Finance Manager for Phyllis Randall's successful campaign as the Chair of the Board of Supervisors for Loudoun County, Va. She often worked behind the scenes for many years and loved to celebrate when her candidates won.

Nancy was a proud member of the Loudoun County VA Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., where she served as the Lead Teen Advisor. She also co-founded Mocha Entrepreneurs of Loudoun County, a group that meets monthly to network with small business owners and served as Vice President of the Loudoun County Twelve Days of Christmas.

In her true spirit of turning trials into triumphs as a breast cancer survivor, Nancy worked as an Angel Advocacy Program Trainer through Tigerlily Foundation, a national breast cancer foundation providing education, awareness, advocacy, and hands-on support to young women  before, during and after breast cancer.

It's not surprising that because of Nancy's diligent work in the community, that she would receive many honors, awards, and recognitions. She was recognized by Vote.Lead.Impact. with a 2020 Unsung Hero Award for her committed service to the DST Social Action Committee, minority student achievement advocacy in Loudoun County, and business leadership for Black women in the region. In 2016, the Sigma Mu Mu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. presented Nancy with its esteemed Citizen of the Year award. In 2015, she was recognized as a Warrior Woman in the Loudoun Woman magazine sharing her personal story of hope after battling and defeating breast cancer. In 2012, the Northern VA Urban League presented Nancy with the Dream Makers and Achievers MLK Drum Major Presidential award.

Amid all of Nancy's work and commitment to family and community, she created, maintained, and nurtured lasting friendships.  She left her mark on the hearts of many. The world is forever changed by her footprint.

In Nancy's heart, her work was not done.   But on July 27, 2022, she transitioned to her rest and reward.

In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by two brothers, Floyd R. "Bo" Finley IV and Troy Dion Finley; along with a great niece and a great nephew. She leaves to love and cherish her memory, her husband, Paul; daughter Lindsey; stepson Steven; three sisters and a brother survive her: Willa Mae Banks, Rev. Theresa A. Bell, both of Winchester; Pamela F. Edwards (Bobby) of Roanoke; and John D. Brisco (Clara) of Stephens City; four sisters in law, Debra Barbour of Richmond, VA; Robin B. Alexander of Hampton, VA; Nadine B. Roper (Herb) of Fishersville, VA; and Bonita Barbour of Herndon, VA. Surviving also are 16 nieces and nephews and 18 great-nieces and nephews; two aunts, Gloria Dendy Johnson, and Juanita Finley, and numerous cousins; and a host of devoted Sorors and friends.

Visitation will be 10:30 am to 11:15 am, on Wednesday August 3, 2022, and the Delta Sigma Theta Omega Ceremony will be 11:15 am to 11:55 am at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Winchester, Virginia.

A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Mt Carmel Baptist Church.

Inurnment will be private.

We will be following CDC guidelines for Covid.  Mask must be worn.