Biography: “Holy God, by your creative power you gave us life, and in your redeeming love, you have given us new life in Christ. We commend our Brother William Andrews to your merciful care in the faith of Christ our Lord who died and rose again to save us, and now lives and reigns with you in the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.”
William Andrews was born on January 18, 1943 in Sandford, Florida to the late Melvin Hargrove and Elizabeth Andrews. On Wednesday, April 21, 2021 he was called to his heavenly home with the Lord.
Affectionally, known as Brother, back in the early 60’s he was an avid supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, you could find him marching down the streets of Harlem with Malcolm X, raising his fist in protest and wearing his Dashiki. He later became a
member of the Freemason Masonic Society of Harlem, founded by brothers who shared a commitment to supporting each other in friendship, fellowship and service to humankind.
Throughout his career, Brother maintained several jobs, and construction work was his passion. He became a member of Laborers’ Local 79 International Union which serves the five boroughs of New York City. Local 79 was responsible for the clean-up during 911 and often he would share stories of what he and his brothers endured.
Brother was the eldest of three siblings and family was very important to him. He loved being with family and you could catch him playing a good game of Bid-wiz talking smack. He knew how to captivate his friends with stories that would make them laugh. He had a great personality, a loving spirit, compassionate with a caring heart, but there were times when his temper would “let loose” and we all knew when to back down.
Brother grew up being streetwise. and attended schools in Harlem NY. and life for him “…Ain’t been no crystal stair,” but he was able to overcome so many adversities until his health started to fail. Brother, God knew you were suffering, he knew you were in pain, and he knew you would never get well by being on this earth again, so he closed your weary eyes and whispered “Peace be Thine”
He was married to Cheryl-Holt for 32 years and out of that union came Jamille. Brother was proceeded in death by his younger brother, Kenneth Andrews.
Brother leaves to cherish his fond memories: Daughters: Misty Andrews, Elita Lane and Jamille Andrews, Son: Caesar Francis, Stepson: Jamal Turner, Ex-wife: Cheryl-Holt, two sisters: Sheila McRae and Jewel McRae, Grandchildren: Jada Andrews, Melva Gifford, Melvin Gifford, Jazir Andrews, Mavin Gifford, Nicholas Lane, Jamoire Andrews, and Olivia Francis, Niece: LaShonna Williams, Nephews: Rashad Watkins, Kareem Watkins and Elijah Williams, a very special close friend Yolanda Russell, and a host of other relatives and friends.