Gurthie (Pridgen) Finlayson

Gurthie Finlayson, Age 92, of Niceville, Fl passed away on March 4, 2022. She was born to Alfred and Selma Pridgen on January 1, 1930, in Hacoda, Alabama. She is preceded in death by her husband Robert Finlayson, sister Rushie Owens, son Bobby Finlayson (Diane), and grandson Michael Finlayson. She was the loving mother of Debbie Huff (Ron), Jimmy Finlayson (Susie), Wanda Finlayson, and Laura Finlayson. She was the beloved grandmother to Brian, Kristen, Aaron, Jennifer, Elise (Ken), Meghan (Chandler), Stephanie (Greg), Devanie, Matthew, Samantha, and Holly. Her 12 Great-grandchildren also brought her immeasurable joy.
Gurthie was born at home on a farm in rural Alabama. Her name was chosen by her Aunt Pinky. She shared a room with her older sister Rushie.   Her grandparents lived just down the street and visited often. She hated housework but enjoyed working in the yard with her Dad or helping out on the farm where they sold cotton, peanuts, and corn.  When they finally got electricity, they watched wrestling on tv or went into town for the latest western.  She passed the time listening to the radio or her mother playing piano. She also loved trying on Aunt Pinky’s heels, going on hayrides, and playing yard games like hopscotch. Her real passion was reading. She devoured every book she could get her hands on. She loved animals and was surrounded by them on the farm. Later in life, she would come to be a sanctuary for unwanted pets.  Her parents would often pack a lunch and take them to pick Huckleberries followed by swimming in the creek.  She rode a school bus 2 miles to school where she learned to sew in home economics, enjoyed and excelled at math, and even made homecoming court.  Her first job was at the local dime store, demonstrating products. 
She married her loving husband Robert of 39 years on February 12, 1947. They were married in Samson, Alabama but eventually settled in Niceville where they raised 5 children together. When they moved to Judith Ave their neighbors quickly became family. All the children played and grew up together. While she raised the kids at home, Robert was an electrician on Eglin. She worked hard to prepare 3 meals a day for the household. Though the loss of her husband in 1986 was devastating the courage and strength she was known for kept her going. She loved to cook, and her specialty was Chicken and Dumplings and her famous “stacked” peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. At one time or another, she cared for us all or we lived under her roof. Her home was a safe haven and her yard was a place to climb trees, catch frogs, pick flowers and make potions. She sewed till she could no longer thread a needle. Later in life, she spent much of her free time with her devoted daughter and caregiver Wanda and Boston terrier Sophie. Her hobbies included watching soap operas, reading the daily news, checking her steps on her Fitbit, listening to country music, and of course scrolling Facebook. Her birthday was always a celebration. At midnight she rang in the year as our favorite new year’s baby. Her favorite vacation spot was Lulu’s beach house, but she always dreamed of going to Hawaii. She loved ice cream, country cooking, football, Nascar, and Roses.
Gurthie was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She had this magic way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the world and could make any bad day seem okay. She loved everyone like family. She always treasured the time spent with her children and grandchildren, embracing every moment they had together. She never worried about herself and even in her final days, her biggest fear was leaving her children here on Earth. We will never forget her strength, smile, laughter, and the never-ending love she had for her family.
Visitation will be held on March 8th at 10:00 am at Mclaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home followed by a Service at 11:00 am. Flowers can be sent to Mclaughlin Twin City Funeral Home.

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