Wilhelmina Andrews

Wilhelmina (Willie) Andrews, 72, Founding Mother, New Birth Ministries Church of Norman, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, on Monday, February 8, 2016 at Norman Regional Hospital. Wilhelmina was born on September 5, 1943 in Sunny Hill, LA; to Willie Andrews and Lular (Brumfield) Andrews. Wilhelmina grew up in Kentwood, LA, where she shared many happy times with her eight siblings. She was a devoted and proud mother of her son and only child, Sterling Andrews. Wilhelmina was a member of Philadelphia Ministries Church of New Orleans where she was saved and served under the leadership of Bishop James E. and First Lady Janette Daniel. She was active in several Auxiliaries and was recognized as a church mother. Wilhelmina retired after working many years for the Associated Hospital in New Orleans. In 2005, subsequent to Hurricane Katrina, Wilhelmina together with her sister, Gertrude relocated to the city of Norman where they were received with open arms by her son and daughter-in-law Annette. It was a pivotal time in Wilhelmina’s life. In 2006 she was instrumental in the incorporation of New Birth Ministries Church where she served on the Corporate Board and is recognized as New Birth Ministries Church, founding Mother. She committed herself to leadership under the direction of her Pastors; daughter-in-law, Pastor Annette L. and son, Prophet Sterling B. Andrews. She was a devoted intercessory prayer warrior who attended 5am daily prayer, faithfully, until her health declined. She poured her love and time into helping to build the ministry. Her heart’s desire was to see the ministry grow and to witness the transformation of many lives. Wilhelmina was an encourager to many people, it didn’t matter who you were Willie, was one of those ‘Never met a stranger’ people. Wilhelmina was admired for her joy for life and talent for humorous storytelling and parables. She was a great communicator; her style of communication was honesty (and sometimes a bit blunt) you didn’t have to read between the lines or second guess what she was saying. If you were seeking advice, “Dear Willie”; would withdraw from her priceless treasury of ‘Mother Wit’ and deposit her simple, direct opinion. She was also known for her style of elegance and for the holiday meals she prepared in style. Her Louisiana Creole cuisine dishes; okra, Cornish hens, fried chicken, red beans and rice and her melt in your mouth pralines will surely be missed. Wilhelmina leaves a legacy of distinct strength, wisdom and loving kindness. Whether it was a taste of knowledge or questions such as what should I wear? or what do I do? Wilhelmina’s influence will remain in our hearts a life time.

In 2012, she moved to Noble Health Care Center, where she resided until her death.

She was preceded in death by her parents Willie Andrews and Lular (Brumfield); her sisters, Berthamae Burris, Gladys Andrews Thomas, Alice Andrews Ellzey; and her brothers; Marshell Andrews, Rosevelt Andrews and a nephew Donald Thomas of Kentwood, LA.

Survivors include her son: Prophet Sterling Andrews (Pastor Annette) of Norman; brothers; Leo (Gracie) Andrews, Kentwood, LA; sisters: Alvintrude Andrews, Kentwood, LA; Gertrude Brumfield, Norman, OK; Godson, Josiah Lewis of Norman, and a host of nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind numerous loving relatives, friends and church family.

Visitation will be from 12 noon until 8:00 Friday February 19, 2016 at Primrose Funeral Service, 1109 N. Porter Ave. Norman, Oklahoma. Funeral Service will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 20, 2016 at Primrose Funeral Service. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Norman.