Obituary of Nina E. Finnell

Nina Earline Finnell, 51, a singer, songwriter and guitarist who was a popular area musician died March 22, 2007 after a twelve-year battle with cancer. Born on May 21, 1955 in Kansas City, Missouri, Ms. Finnell traveled nationally in the 1980s with her group, the Tomboyz, who performed with John Kay and Steppenwolf, Three Dog Night, Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Black Oak Arkansas, Asleep at the Wheel, A.D. and the Grassroots. She later performed with Minnesota group, Maiden Voyage. Ms. Finnell’s songs were recorded on the 1983 Kansas City Moonshine album and her own Swank record label. In Tampa, Florida, Ms. Finnell performed with the Second Chance Band, Little Pony and the Desert Moon Band. Ms. Finnell was known for her powerfully pure voice and melodic prowess on the guitar. Reknowned Nashville songwriter Mark Gray called Nina “an inspiration” and as “ good as anyone in Nashville.” As she continued playing through her illness, Ms. Finnell was famous for her selfless generosity in helping those in need and giving her time and energy to all. At age 16, Ms. Finnell began her musical career by teaching guitar lessons at Meyer Music in Blue Springs, Missouri. She later moved to Florida and worked at HealthPlan Services in Tampa, and more recently, as an IT computer tester for Nielsen Media Research in Oldsmar. Ms. Finnell was predeceased by her father, William Earl, and mother, Daise Finnell. She is survived by her brother, Jerry Finnell of Pleasant Hill, Missouri. Ms. Finnell will be mourned by a legion of fans and friends who will remember her courage and unflagging enthusiasm for life. A memorial celebration will be held in Tampa, Florida on a later date. Funeral services will be held at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home, 155 Section Line Road in Hot Springs, Arkansas on Tuesday, March 27, 2007. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nina Finnell Music Scholarship Fund, c/o Backhus & Izakowitz, P.A., 13014 N. Dale Mabry, #746, Tampa, FL 33618. hn glover death datepsychology and lung cancer