Andrew was born to Pearline Stevenson and the late Moses Cheatham on September 15 or 16, 1954 in Columbus, Arkansas. He entered into eternal rest on December 10, 2006.

In life, we celebrated Andrew's birthday on two days. In his demise, we shall do the same. (His birth certificate states September 15th, however, his mother has always said that she gave birth on the 16th.) Andrew was educated in the public school system of Texarkana. Upon graduation from Arkansas High School in 1973, he entered Jarvis Christian College graduating in 1977 with a degree in Political Science.

Andrew joined the United States Army in October 1977, during which time he was stationed in Korea, Ft. Hood, Texas, Linwood, Missouri, and Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. He later served in the Army Reserve.

In 1980, while stationed at Fort Belvoir, Andrew met the love of his life, Karen Gadsden. They were joined in holy matrimony on September 14, 1985. They were blessed by the Lord with four children, DaRen, MyAsha, MyShia and DaVaun.

Andrew utilized his training in the military by beginning his career as a water treatment specialist. He later fulfilled his dream and true passion of owning and operating his own business, MyAsha Water Treatment.

Andrew loved the Lord and he knew the Lord loved him. He began his Christian life at Bright Star Baptist Church in Texarkana, Arkansas. In 1990, Andrew became a devoted member of Antioch Baptist Church, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. He served as the Sunday School bus driver for many years and was faithful to the Usher Board ministry until his health failed. He was a proud and devoted member of several organizations -- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, the Washington, DC Chapter of the Booker T. Washington National Alumni Association of Texarkana, Arkansas and the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW).

As a young child, Andrew was curious, mischievous and always getting spankings by his mother, aunts, grandmother and teachers. As his older sisters left home, he learned to clean and cook. Andrew just knew he was a chef! He loved to entertain family and friends at his memorable poolside cookouts. Oh, how everyone looked forward to those gatherings! Andrew loved watching westerns, was an avid "Trekkie," enjoyed landscaping and gardening, getting dressed up, socializing and dancing, and most of all spending time with his family.

Andrew and Karen's home has been a safe haven for numerous persons, young and old. They have provided a warm, loving and nurturing home for those who did not have a place to stay or were trying to get on their feet. He was a kind, considerate and humble man who played a pivotal role in the development and mentoring of many, including DeLonte Gadsden, Quincy Green, Rodriguez Martin, Dwuan Rayford and Sophia Tucker. He also believed in old fashioned values and always looked out for the welfare of others. For example, his nieces Sherrie and Jackie, of whom he was very protective, had boys in the house late at night and Andrew said they had to go; the girls were not happy. When his cousin Jo began dating husband John, Andrew didn't hesitate to ask him what his intentions were. What a role model he was!

Andrew leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Karen; four children; DaRen (Kendra); MyAsha; MyShia; DaVaun; two granddaughters; ShaMya and Myla; his mother; Pearline Surry; mother-in-law; Bernice Gadsden; four sisters; Willie Mae; Christine (Curtis); Rosie; Shirley; four brothers; Leroy, Henry, Terrance, Timothy; sister-in-law Carla Gadsden, two brothers in-law Derek (Tracy) and Kevin Gadsden, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Services: Maryland – Thursday, December 14, 2006 Viewing 9:30 am until Service time 11:00 am at Antioch Baptist Church, 13205 Old Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774 (301) 627-7844.
Services: Arkansas – College Hill Baptist Park, 1602 Rose Street, Texarkana, Arkansas 71854 (870) 772-0254.
Interment – Chapelwood Memorial Gardens, Texarkana, Texas 75501