Mary Elizabeth Andress

Mary Elizabeth Andress was born November 13, 1920 in Bossier City, Louisiana, to Philip Morris Allums and Myrtle Nannie Allums. Mary Elizabeth graduated from Bossier City High School in 1938. After high school she graduated beauty school. While living in Magnolia, Arkansas she met a handsome young man seven years her senior and in 1940 she married William Randolph Andress. During WWII, the couple moved to Dallas, Texas. In support of the War effort, Randolph worked at the McDonald Douglas aircraft manufacturing plant as machinist. After WWII, they moved back to Bossier City. They lived next door to Mary Elizabeth’s parents. They soon started a family. In 1946, their first child Andrea was born. Seventeen months later they welcomed their second child, William. Nine years passed before they had their third child, Morris and eleven months later they had their fourth child, Joseph. In 1958, Randolph and Mary Elizabeth moved the family to Pasadena, Texas.

In 1974, while living in Deer Park, Texas, Mary Elizabeth lost her husband Randolph to cancer. She was only 53 years old. She never remarried. She continued as the family Matriarch for another 47 years until our Lord called her home August 17, 2021 surrounded by her children. She was 3 months shy of 101 years old.

Mary Elizabeth committed her life to Christ in 1947, which started a life long pursuit of knowing and growing in our Lord. Wherever we lived she was faithful in Church. She imparted her love for Jesus to all her children and unto her grandchildren. Mary Elizabeth lived a long and full life. She loved her children and grandchildren. She liked to puzzle, play games, study scripture and visit her relatives. She had a good sense of humor and laughed easily. She had many good friends. She outlived them all. Mary Elizabeth was independent and spoke her mind. You always knew where she stood. She had seen much in her lifetime, from the depression and World War to a country at times she didn’t always recognize as of late. She was part of our Nation’s greatest generation and deeply loved our County. She trusted in the Lord and eagerly looked to Jesus’ return. She was unafraid.

Mary Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Maurice, Estelle, and Juanita, her husband William Randolph Andress, daughter-in-law Cheryl Andress, and grandson Eric Fisher. She is survived by her children Andrea Elizabeth Lawhorn, William Randolph Andress Jr., Morris Edward Andress and wife Melinda; Joseph Cheaney Andress and wife, Linda; grandchildren: Jimmy Fisher, Mark Fisher, John Fisher, Russell Andress and wife Sandy, Jack Andress and wife Emily, Elizabeth Andress, Bethany Andress, Ericka Cisneros, Ryan Andress and wife Ariel, and Nickolas Andress; great grandchildren: Emmy Andress, Jenna Diaz, William Andress, Payton Fisher, Zachry Fisher, Brittny Schneider and husband Joey, Solei Ornelas, Madrid Saenz, Hosea Andress, Mercy Andress, Michia Andress; great-great grandchildren: Grayson Diaz, Roman Diaz, and Zoe Schneider.

Though we are all saddened by her passing, our hope and trust rest in Christ our Lord who assures us we will see her again and rejoice together in His presence.