Andrea Renee Rodriguez

Andrea Renee Rodriguez Blackburn entered eternal peace at Fort Drum, New York at the age of 42 on April 27, 2024. Andrea’s loveable spirit will be remembered on May 10, 2024 beginning with a visitation from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. with services following at 11:00 am at the Gipson Funeral Home in Lufkin, TX. Thereafter, she will be laid to rest at the Newman Cemetery also located in Lufkin, TX. Although Andrea left her hometown many years ago, an invite is extended to all who had a meaningful friendship with Andrea regardless of the time and distance that kept you apart.

Andrea was born in Lubbock, TX to Danny Mack Blackburn and Phyllis Arnelle Blackburn. As a child, she was loved and teased by her two brothers Thomas Wilkins and Eric Wilkins. She enjoyed swimming at the beach and spending those hot Texas summer days in the pool. Andrea would also spend her days growing up snuggled with her most beloved dogs “Poochie and Rosie”. As a young woman, Andrea was loved by all but most importantly, she loved and cared deeply for everyone in her life. She was kind, happy, loving, maybe a little spoiled and excelled in academics partially due to her Grandma Bonnie always correcting her when she misspoke. These traits followed her later in life where she enjoyed reading, researching, cooking, traveling, sunbathing at the beach and spending quality time with her family.

Upon graduating from Central High School in Lufkin, TX Andrea attended Angelina College for a year and half. On November 6, 2006 Andrea enlisted into the United States Army as a Human Resource Specialist and spent her first two years in South Korea. She loved the Korean culture and built many lasting friendships during this time, but she mostly enjoyed the shopping and food such as Bulgogi and Kimchi, her favorite. She left Korea and began a new chapter in life at Fort Hood, TX. She met her husband Junior and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom for 12 months. Shortly after her return from Iraq she decided to hang up her boots and uniform to start enjoying life as a civilian again.

Andrea gave birth to her beautiful daughter, Amelia, on December 14, 2012. As a mother she thoroughly enjoyed watching her precious Amelia grow into the wonderful young lady she is today. Andrea and Amelia were inseparable and had the best times taking photographs together, both serious and goofy. Andrea always encouraged Amelia to pursue her passions in life such as art, writing, piano, violin and dance. She never missed a meaningful event in her life without good reason. In fact, Andrea was so proud of Amelia that she held onto the thousands of pictures and notes Amelia has created since birth. Additionally, Andrea was the mother to her two fur babies Charlie and Daisy who she spoiled rotten going on walks, loading their bellies with unlimited treats and of course all the belly and ear scratches they wanted.

While Andrea was married to Junior, she provided him with the best memories of his life. Without a doubt, she was his best friend and number one supporter in every aspect of life. They enjoyed family time the most but also loved going to the beach, hiking, traveling, watching movies, fine dining and creating those memories. Together, Andrea and Junior were able to enjoy so many adventures together from the majestical islands of Hawaii to serving together in Iraq.

Andrea is survived by her husband, Aristeo Rodriguez Jr, and her beloved daughter Amelia Rodriguez. She’s also survived by her sister, Kimberly Wilkins and her two brothers, her biggest supporters through anything, Thomas Wilkins and Eric Wilkins. Additionally, many other family and friends survive her.

Andrea was preceded in death by her mother, Phyllis Arnelle Blackburn, her father, Danny Mack Blackburn, and her most beloved uncle, Nicolas Hope Wilkinson. Furthermore, she is preceded in death by her grandparents, and multiple uncles and aunts whom she sincerely loved, missed and always had a story to tell about them.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gipson Funeral Home.