Charming, loving, funny, loyal, hopeful
At 6’4’, blond, blue eyed Andrew had an illuminating presence. Unbothered by things most people find troubling, “you could never be around Andrew and not laugh,” his mother, Gwendolyn said. “Often he would say the most random things so seriously and not get why you were looking at him with a confused yet amused look.” Seven years older than his brother, Tyler, and twelve years older than his youngest brothers, Cameron, and Aiden, he often shared photos of them and bragged about their accomplishments. He loved being a big brother!
Andrew trusted others to a fault and gave his whole self to the people and things he loved, whether it be riding anything with wheels down a ramp onto the dock into the lake, adding to his collection of hats and sneakers, or coming up with ways to add to his “car of the moment” decor! He enjoyed playing lacrosse, soccer, and baseball but adored basketball, idolizing Michael Jordan and often quoting his words for inspiration. A die-hard North Carolina Tar Heels fan, he was especially animated during March Madness, proudly wearing his favorite NC jersey throughout the month.
Andrew loved blaring his music both in his car and through his ever-present headphones. He had a playlist ranging from rap to country to Tiny Dancer by Elton John, the last song h listened to on his phone. Andrew deeply connected to the meaningful lyrics of MGK, so much so that friends dubbed him “Andrew MGK Place.” He embraced that totally, even changing his Facebook page to match.
Andrew enjoyed tubing on the lake, cars with turbo engines, the power of music and had an enduring love for his family of origin and extended family, including his mom, Gwendolyn, dad, TJ, step mother, Sam, brother’s, Tyler, Cameron, and Aiden and step sister, Emily. Sadly, Andrew never met his niece, Mylah Drew, or God daughters, Drew, and Lane. His closest friends included Josh, Dan, Eric, Austin, and his best friend Darren, who passed away at 18 in a car accident their senior year of high school.
Family traditions brought Andrew great joy. From cutting down Christmas trees, decorating cookies, carving pumpkins, birthday dinners out, and fireworks over the lake to watching Santa light the town’s Christmas tree. Andrew’s favorite adventures included Nascar races, Celtics games, and yearly outings with his mom and brothers — experiences he looked forward to and remembered fondly. He especially treasured a trip to Seattle, preferring it over Disney.
The last day Andrew spent with his mom at Tyler’s hockey game, he talked excitedly about an upcoming move south and a future trip to the Bahamas, plans that would go unrealized just weeks later. The other hockey moms remarked how he and his mom talked throughout the entire game, and how extremely happy he was about his future.
After high school, Andrew enrolled in Job Corps for security training, where he earned awards and traveled with their basketball team. He also explored construction and landscaping, but ultimately found happiness working in restaurant kitchens.
Knowing addiction affected others in her family, Gwen was vigilant about keeping her children educated about the dangers of drugs. No one was aware that Andrew had been using drugs and it may have even been his first time, so his death came as a devastating shock.
Andrew’s life was short, but full and happy. His family and friends are left to miss his incredible hugs, amazing smile, infectious laughter and how he lived his life to the fullest every day.
Andrew’s mother, Gwendolyn Jones, provided the information for this narrative.
September 3, 1994–March 25, 2016-Age 21
Portrait Artist: Jeremy Hebbel
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
