Dr. A’ndrea “Drea” Janell Wilson, 43, was born on November 30, 1978 to Dotson Jerome “Bucky” and Kathleen Wilson in Rochester, NY. She was the youngest of three children and was considered the “spoiled one”. of the family by his older brothers. Growing up, A’ndrea enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, and especially enjoyed Camp Li-Lo-Li. After graduating from high school, A’ndrea pursued higher education and was always looking for ways to advance in various disciplines. A’ndrea earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the State University of New York, College at Brockport, a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, Marriage and Family Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University, a Ph.D. in Global Leadership, Educational Leadership from Lynn University, and a Master of Fine Arts in Playwriting from Savannah College of Art and Design. After graduating from SCAD, she was awarded the title of Graduate Workshop Ambassador for 2017-18. A’ndrea has published numerous literary works, including the best-selling and award-winning novel “Wife 101” and its sequel, “Husband 101” (The Wife 101 Series) and the play “On da Roof Top”, which was selected for the Fade to Black Play Festival in 2017. That same year, she was proud to be a founding member of Beta Alpha Chi, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. A’ndrea self-published her books by establishing Divine Garden Press (DGP), which specializes in books promoting individual, marital, and family development, as well as self-entertainment. A’ndrea’s passion for education led her to accept a faculty position at Grandview University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she served as the Braida Endowed Chair of Creative Writing. In 2021, A’ndrea was commissioned to write a play for the Horizon Theater in Atlanta, Georgia. A’ndrea liked cartoons, painting, Sudoku and McDonald’s Coke. She loved her beloved cat “Pepper” who she rescued from a pet organization in Iowa. Shopping, pampering, and traveling were her thing, and she took great pride in her appearance. A’ndrea was a diva in her own right. She was full of life and affirmed everyone she met. She loved it very much. A’ndrea was the person you called at all times, and she took your call. She mentored students and inspired everyone with her writings and words. She recently started a podcast called “Healthy Black Love” to help others achieve healthier romantic relationships. A’ndrea was a phenomenal writer and recently pitched her scripts to networks including Disney, Hallmark, and All Black. A’ndrea was predeceased by her father, Dotson Jerome “Bucky” Wilson and is remembered by her mother, Kathleen; brothers, Jeffrey and Clifford (Michelle); nephews, Xavier, Cameron and Malik; niece, Candace; best friends, Kesha Wilson Lee and Shauna Taylor-Harvey; and a host of beloved friends, relatives and supporters. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at First Christian Church, 123 First Christian Road, Wickhaven, Pennsylvania, with service beginning at 11 a.m. Suffragan Bishop Jacalyn Mills, pastor, will deliver the eulogy. The meal will be served immediately at the church, followed by the burial in the cemetery of Belle Vernon. The Celebration of Life has been kindly placed in the hands of HOUSE OF JACKSON MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 546 Thompson Ave., Donora, Karl Jackson, Funeral Director, 724-379-5420.
2022-09-06