Andrew Jefferson Warren

Andrew Jefferson Warren, born April 27, 1923, gregarious, tall and handsome husband to his bride Virginia Catherine for 58 years, totally devoted patriarch and reliable rock of the Warren family, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2010 in his home in Washington, DC with his wife and granddaughter Aviya, second year nursing student at Trinity College, at his side. Mr. Warren was the first born son of the very young Effie and Esley Warren of Edgecombe County, North Carolina, and brother to James, Curtis and Olivia, all whom preceded him in death. Andrew had a beautiful melodic voice. He attended church with his father and sang on the church choir. He accepted Jesus Christ as a young man and enjoyed the old hymns most of all. His grand-mother Lizzie Dickens, who lived to be 104, nurtured, protected and loved him with great care. Her loving guidance translated into Andrew's tireless devotion to his mother Effie, who lived to be 96; and his care of his brothers during their long illness before their passing. His father's dream of a better life was realized when in 1935 Esley brought his family to Washington, DC and was employed by a local dairy company. It was remarkable for an African American family to purchase a home coming from such modest beginnings, but purchase they did. His parents purchased, his brother purchased, and for his wife, Andrew also purchased a home. There was nothing Andrew would not do for his wife and her extraordinarily large, accomplished and close knit family. Her family became his family and for more than 60 years, they remained close. Andrew was a decorated World War II veteran who served in the Special Detachment 137th Military Police Company in Italy and was honorably discharged in 1945. Upon arriving home, he was employed by the CIA where he met and courted the lovely Virginia Bell from Bedford, Virginia. They worked in the same building and Andrew was immediately smitten by her. He persistently asked to buy her lunch day after day as she repeatedly said no. On one wonderful day, when Andrew asked Virginia to join him, she replied, "I already have my lunch." He proceeded to take her lunch, toss it aside and with a wispy smile said, "Now, will you join me for lunch." They were married in December 1952 and remained together till he closed his eyes one last time. When Andrew was hospitalized for months on end, Virginia's love and devotion kept her by his side day and night, never leaving him except to freshen up. Two admiring and devoted daughters, Rita and Sharon, were born to them. His attentive son-in-law Charles Rattley II, was given to them; nine wonderful and aspiring grandchildren, Jwahara Waith and her husband Jamaal, Aviya Maverick, Andria Lucas, Valyncia Wooten and her husband Antione, Dakota Rattley, Amber Rattley, Kenya Rattley, Charles Rattley III, Angelique Rattley and one great grand child Amyrah Wooten followed as a blessing to their lives. Although he was entrepreneurial, Andrew Warren retired as Chief of the Fuels Division of the General Services Administration where he ordered, monitored and had oversight of all fuel sources purchased and delivered for use by the United States government. His incredible attention to detail, impeccable integrity, diplomacy and honesty gave way to an exceptional career and ushered him into retirement with an outstanding record. He was proud as a former soldier and life long civil servant, to cast his vote for the first African American President of the United States and had strongly encouraged each of his progeny to participate in the historic vote. Mr. Warren completed three years of college and during his retirement, he registered and attended the University of the District of Columbia where he studied photography and computer science and is still listed as active on the registrar. It was his great delight to be enrolled in class along side his vigilant grand daughter Jwahara, who graduated UDC in 2007. He reveled in expanding his knowledge of national issues and was remarkably keen on many levels. He considered it advantageous to keep his mind alert and stimulated. He was a student of history and wise within the moment. It gave him joy that Andria and several of his grandchildren are attending college. He was happy to attend all sporting events with tickets from nephew G. Ronald Hall including the Washington Redskins, the Washington Nationals and he enjoyed watching the horses run. He didn't miss an opportunity to attend his wife's, his mother's and his father's family reunions. He cared for his home and tended his garden and those of his neighbors around him. He taught diligence and laughter to his daughters; wisdom, perseverance and honor to his son-in-law; strength, love and devotion to his grand children and was the living foundational bedrock of consistency to us all. When you needed someone to count on, he was there. He was a living testament of what the power of belief can do. He showed us no matter the task, whatever the obstacle, keep moving forward, and you'll make it. He taught us not to listen to nay sayers, but to know what is true and have the courage to keep moving. He lived 7 years beyond the doctor's initial reports. Sheer will, courage, love and the grace of God got him through. He was dearly loved by his family and friends and his joyous engaging smile and hearty laugh will live in our hearts for all time. Andrew Warren is survived by his cherished wife Virginia, his daughters Rita and Sharon, his son in law Charles, his brother in law William Bell Alleyne, his sisters in law Bessie Thomas, Elizabeth Gillis, Marion Saunders, Youtha Turner and Juanita Warren; and over 200 nieces, cousins, and nephews throughout Washington, DC, Maryland, North Carolina, Florida, California, New York and Alaska including the Dobbins brothers who were with him daily as watchful sons. Also a host of friends among whom is Thomas Strawberry, and the ever-present helpful hands of the members of his wife's Kingdom Hall family. To send a Life Tribute or Condolences to the Warren family, please click the "Sign Guestbook" link below.

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Andrew Jefferson Warren

April 27, 1923 - May 4, 2010