Gladys Turner Finney was born in Tamo (in Jefferson County, Arkansas), and was a member of the last graduating class of J. C. Corbin High School in Pine Bluff. She holds a master of social work degree from the Atlanta University School of Social Work. Her distinguished career as a clinician, teacher, and administrator in the field of social work spanned nearly four decades. In 2012, Finney's alma mater, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, conferred on her the honorary doctorate of laws degree for her long commitment to social work and for her efforts in empowering others through advocacy and philanthropy. She currently resides in Dayton, Ohio.
