Anna “Pearl” Finke, age 90, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away on November 2, 2025, at Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Pearl was born on June 29, 1935, in Pope County, Illinois, to the late Charlie and Delsie Fraizer Helm. She worked in the child care department at Baptist Health Hospital for 25 years, where she was loved by the many children and families she cared for.
Pearl had a gift for making a house feel like home. She enjoyed sewing, going on bike rides, and swimming in her backyard pool on warm summer days. Painting was another of her favorite pastimes. In her younger years, Pearl was known for her cooking. Her homemade chicken and dumplings and soft, buttery rolls were legendary in the family, and no one ever left her table hungry. Above all, Pearl loved being a mother and grandmother. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She cherished every visit, every phone call, and every hug.
Faith was an important part of Pearl’s life. She was a longtime member of Heartland Church, where she found fellowship and joy among her church family. She loved singing in the choir and teaching Sunday school, sharing her love for the Lord through song, scripture, and kindness.
She is survived by her daughter, Linda Yewell (Gary) of Boaz, KY; four sons, David Finke (Ronda) of West Paducah, KY, John Finke (Julie) of Paducah, KY, Daniel Finke (Karen) of Metropolis, IL, and Glenn Finke (Leslie) of Paducah, KY; one sister, Vera McGinnis of Washington, IL; two brothers, Clifford Helm (Wanda) and Wayne Helm (Kay), both of Metropolis, IL; eight grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Pearl was preceded in death by her sisters, Sylvia Cooper and Betty Helm; her brothers, Floyd Helm, Lowell Helm, David Helm, and Frank Eugene Helm; and her grandson, Brandon Finke.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Dr. Nathan Joyce officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Garden Cemetery in Paducah, Kentucky.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the service time of 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Heartland Church at 4777 Alben Barkley Dr, Paducah, KY 42001.
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
