Fayetteville's only female mayor dies at 91

Fayetteville, N.C. — Former Mayor Beth Finch, the only female mayor in the history of Fayetteville, died Thursday at age 91, the city said Friday.

She served on the city council from 1971 to 1975 and was elected mayor pro tem during her second term. She served as mayor from 1975 to 1981.

“Her work as mayor strengthened ties with Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base and helped move Fayetteville forward," current mayor Tony Chavonne said in a statement. "My heart goes out to Beth Finch’s family."

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church. The family visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Rogers & Breece Funeral Home.

Representatives from the city’s police and fire departments will serve as pallbearers. A city flag will cover the casket and a City Resolution of Respect will be on display at the funeral home. The Resolution of Respect will be formally adopted at the Jan. 14 city council meeting.

The city flag will be lowered to half staff Saturday from sunrise to sunset.

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Latest Comments

She took the time to meet with my class on a Field Trip to the Mayor's office when I was a kid. Very nice lady, Rest in Peace.

billybob72
December 28, 2012 3:18 p.m.

The city would do well to not allow sex to determine who they hire. I hire the best applicant for the job.

lighter22
December 28, 2012 1:13 p.m.

Rest in peace. Now would be a good time for the City to honor her memory by appointing a well qualified female Chief of Police, the current Interim Chief.