Emily Aiken Finley

Emily Aiken Finley, 60, of Gastonia, NC, passed away Thursday, April 6, 2017 at home after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born January 31, 1957 in Spartanburg, SC, to Charles and Mildred Aiken. She is survived by Jack Finley, her husband of 37 years

Also surviving are her mother, Mildred Aiken of Spartanburg, SC; brother, Terry Aiken (Mitzi) of Spartanburg, SC; sons, Wayne (Tanya) Finley and Brandon Finley of Gastonia; daughter, Melissa (Beth) Heilig of Clover, SC; and grandchildren (Matthew, Morgan, Claire, and Nathan). Emily was preceded in death by her father, Charles Aiken

Emily was a long-time resident of Gastonia, and as a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, she joined others in her commitment to community outreach and helping those in need. She believed in hard work, church, and dedication to family. Emily proudly incorporated Pantron Automation in North Carolina in 1997, and as president of the company, she built it from a home office to a successful business in Belmont, NC. That same strong will and determination carried over into her 17-month battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be at 11:30 AM on Monday, April 10, 2017 at the Carothers Funeral Home on Williamsburg Drive in Gastonia. The visitation will be one hour preceding the service, also at the Carothers Funeral Home. Reverend Jeff Lindsay will be officiating. The burial will be at Gaston Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her honor to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1915 S. New Hope Rd., Gastonia, NC, or to the American Cancer Society.

The staff at Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park is honored to serve the Finley Family.