Dr. A’ndrea “Drea” Janell Wilson, 43, was born on Nov. 30, 1978, to Dotson Jerome “Bucky” and Kathleen Wilson in Rochester, N.Y. She was the youngest of three children and was considered the “spoiled” one of the family by her older brothers. Growing up, A’ndrea enjoyed spending time with 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 a variety of 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 degree in dramatic writing from Savannah College of Art and Design. After graduation, at SCAD, she received the Alumni Atelier Ambassadorship for 2017-18. A’ndrea published many pieces of literature, including the best-selling, 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 a proud charter 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 clean entertainment. A’ndrea’s passion for education led her to accept a professorship 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 Theatre in Atlanta, Ga. A’ndrea enjoyed cartoons, painting, Sudoku and McDonald’s Coke. She loved her beloved cat “Pepper” that she rescued from a pet organization in Iowa. Shopping, pampering and traveling was her thing to do, and she took great pride in the way she looked. A’ndrea was a diva in her own right. She was full of life and affirmed everyone she encountered. She loved hard. A’ndrea was the person you called any time, and she would take your call. She mentored students and inspired everyone with her writings and her words. She recently started a podcast called “Healthy Black Love” to support others to obtain healthier romantic relationships. A’ndrea was a phenomenal writer and most recently pitched her screenplays to networks such as Disney, Hallmark and All Black. A’ndrea was preceded in death by her father, Dotson Jerome “Bucky” Wilson and leaves to cherish her memory 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 followers. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022, at First Christian Church, 123 First Christian Road, Wickhaven, Pa., with service starting at 11 a.m. Suffragan Bishop Jacalyn Mills, pastor, will give the eulogy. Repast will be served immediately at the church, followed by interment at the Belle Vernon Cemetery. Celebration of life has been gently placed into the hands of HOUSE OF JACKSON MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 546 Thompson Ave., Donora, Karl Jackson, funeral director, 724-379-5420.
