the Life of Mario A. Finnell
“OK... IF NOT NOW, THEN WHEN?� - MARIO
Mario Andretti Finnell, 49, of Dallas, Texas earned his wings on December 16, 2017 as a result of fighting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was born August 21, 1968 to the union of Mark E. and Shirley Conyers Finnell. Mario attended Tyler Street Christian Academy, TL Marsalis Elementary, Oliver Wendell Holmes Academy, Skyline High School Career Development Center and the University of North Texas. He was a member of the National Junior Honor Society and the National Honor Society. In his early years, Mario was a member of the Hampton YMCA where he played soccer and basketball. He was also a Kudos member of Phi Delta Kappa Inc., Alpha Roe Chapter where he served as a two-term President. In 1986, Mario was presented at The Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Beautillion. Mario was a faithful member of Concord Church for over 40 years. He worked as a Sr. Business Analyst for Discover Technologies and was also formerly employed with SABRE, Matrix Resources, Service Experts, Mutt Gallery, The Mitas Group, American Airlines, FTS International and AT&T. After much prayer and meditation, Mario founded the Mario A. Finnell ALS Foundation in February 2017. His mission for the organization is to empower those affected by this debilitating disease by providing them with necessary resources, aids for daily living, and group therapy. Mario is survived by his parents Mark E. and Shirley Conyers Finnell of Dallas,Texas, brothers Mark G. Finnell (Gino), and Marc D. Finnell, sister McKinley Finnell, nephews Marcus J. and Sheldon B. Finnell, niece Leigha Finnell, and a host of uncles, aunts, and cousins. Mario was predeceased by his grandparents Joseph H. Finnell Sr. and his wife Bessie Finnell, Dr. James Garfield Conyers and his wife Geneva Wynn, his uncles Joseph H. Finnell Jr. and David Boyd, and his cousin Thomas Crowdus.
Order of Memorial
Processional Prayer Old Testament New Testament
“ALWAYS STAY RUNWAY READY” - MARIO
Musical Selection Tributes / Resolutions Gino Finnell Dr. Faith Oliver-Robinson Eleanor K. Finnell-Brownlow Musical Selection Eulogy Bishop Charles M. Finnell Christ Temple Apostolic Closing Prayer Recessional
My Mario
Star Studded
How I adore you Mario Finnell....my friend that sticks closer than a brother. I know that you are only gone from me physically for your spirit will always dwell in my heart. I have 37 beautiful years of irreplaceable moments with you, but I am most grateful for the last 7 days that I was blessed to be by your side. It was our time. We laughed, I talked, we cried. I am certain that I gave you way too many kisses, but you smiled with each and every one of them. Since that day, I have yet ceased to hear your voice; so keep talking to me Love. Send me hugs in the spirit. Show me how to walk in these big shoes that you expect me to fill, and I will look for you in my dreams.Mario Finnell, you promised me that you would be my personal guardian angel so let’s get busy continuing to do US the way we always have -- unapologetically saturated with unconditional love, laughter, and LIFE! Your BFF in this life and in that which comes after,
Mario, you are a star and I would like to honor you with awards worthy of man of your stature.
“Lynnell”
I honor you with a Grammy because you always greeted the ladies with “Hello Beautiful!” and it was sweet music to our ears. The way you orchestrated “Sunday Funday” merits an Oscar for Best Director. Your flare for fashion and extraordinary taste in clothing makes you GQ’s best dressed man for LIFE! Your courageousness in the battle against ALS is evidence that an EPSY for “Best Fighter” gives testament to your strength. Mario, I give you a Standing Ovation for an awardwinning life, being a lifelong friend and having a heart for those suffering with ALS. Congratulations on a life well lived. Love you forever, Channie
Nephew
It’s so strange to attempt to “Cliff Note” a lifetime of experiences and awareness of a person you love in a single writing. Growing with them and they with you over a large portion of our lives, from a little boy to a grown man. Whether we saw each other often or not, when we did, the first thing I could count on was that huge smile, a stylish hat, and a hug from him that reminded me it had been way too long since the last time. Often the next thing without fail would be “Aunt Pam what are you doing here?” and we’d both have a big laugh. Mario was strong, polite, caring, responsible, generous, challenging, confident, and secure. I’ve known that part of Mario’s successful life resulted from his love of family and the quality of those he extended himself to, and those that returned that investment many times over. Aunt Pam
Loving Friend
I don’t believe you are leaving us for any long time. Nor do I believe you are going far away. Hebrews 12 tells us that we have “drawn near” in Jesus to every spiritual reality. You won’t be far away. And the coming of the Lord can’t be far away. I look forward to the day when the trumpet will sound, the archangel will shout, and Jesus himself will return to the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). On that glad day, a great resurrection and a grand reunion will take place. So, my dear friend, though I do not expect to see you again in this life, I know I will see you again. Jesus has promised it, and He cannot break his word. Rest well. God hold you tight in his loving arms. One day we will celebrate together in the land where no one ever dies. LaRonza
My Friend
Where have the years gone my friend... A decade and a half of knowing you and it seems like only yesterday. You were the light that guided all of us to a better appreciation of life. You showed me unconditional love and taught me how to better love myself - and others. Selfishly, I’m saddened by your earthly departure but I’m happy to know that you’ve gone on to be fly on another plane. You will be missed. You won’t be forgotten. You were my friend. Love you, Mario! - Mike
Family
So go and run free with the angels Dance around the golden clouds For the Lord has chosen you to be with him. And we should feel nothing but proud Although he has taken you from us And our pain a lifetime will last Your memory will never escape us But make us glad for the time we did have Your Face will always be hidden Deep inside our hearts Each precious moment you gave us Shall never, ever depart So go and run free with angels As they sing so tenderly And please be sure to tell them To take good care of you for me. Rest in Heavenly Peace Mario We will always love you... Aunt Gwen and Monique
Precious nephew
I will not forget you, My precious Mario I will always cherish memories; the love we shared, your smile And you will be remembered each day, right from the start As a special angel, who lives within my heart. Love, Aunt Legale
the Paparazzi of Mario A. Finnell
“ALWAYS BE FABULOUS” - MARIO
My Son Mario: Thank you for your sense of adventure, your respect for diversity, your willingness to share, our family travels & the many calls to me to pack a bag and be ready in 12 hours.
I appreciate you challenging me. You’ve always had something for me to do. Lastly, you taught me to stand firm on my convictions.
I remember when you were 3 years old, you declared you were a teacher to your cousins when playing school and you never stopped teaching. You’ve left a mark in this world. You’ve shown me what it means to enjoy and have a meaningful life. Whatever definition it has for you - go towards it! You’ve taught me that this earth you’ve left is a beautiful playground where everything is possible. Yet, we are not here forever. Our life is a short spark that flies with incredible speed on this beautiful little planet.
We made a plan, we stayed on course! You were more man than most - highly principled, passionate and persistent. I thank God for sending you through and to me. I appreciate you for making me a better person. You definitely enjoyed your time here with passion. You made it interesting and you made it count!
Love you,.. Mom
Acknowledgements We would like to express our sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks for your prayers and support during a very difficult time for our family. We sincerely appreciate your sentiments of love. Special thanks to Mike Walker, May You Forever Be Blessed. ~The Finnell Family
Dear Mom,
You dreamed of me last night and what I said was true. I may not be with you here on earth but I am still with you. You took my hand and asked me if I was truly gone. I smiled at you and said, no Mom, you are not alone. I am always right there with you through all of your pain and grief. My prayer for you each day is to somehow find relief. I know how much you love me Mom and you think of me all the time, just know that I am okay and I will see you again one day. Remember with each new dawn I am not gone. I love you Mom
Mario
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