Obituary of Erik Lanier Andrews

LIFE REFLECTIONS OF Erik L. Andrews “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: For the former things are passed away. . .” — Revelation 21:14 ERIK LANIER ANDREWS was born on July 18, 1965 to Andrea L. and Melvin D. Andrews, Sr. He was educated primarily in the Philadelphia School System, but graduated from Upper Moreland High School in 1983. Continuing his education in 1984, Erik attended Computer Learning Center, earning a certificate in Computer Technology. Passionate about working with computers, Erik’s career included employment with CoreStates/Wachovia Bank, Office Max, CDI Corporation, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, UPS and SAP in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, where he was an Information Technology Analyst. Seeking to further his education, Erik studied Computer Science at Pennsylvania Institute of Technology in Media, Pennsylvania until his health began to fail. Erik met and fell in love with Paula Burris and they were married on June 24, 1995 at Christian Love Worship Center. Sharing a life together, Erik and Paula raised two children, Shavone and Donald. Their love stood the test of time and remained a source of Erik’s strength during his illness. Erik received Christ as his personal Savior and he and Paula became members of Victory Baptist Church, where on November 5, 1995, he was baptized. After years of diligent study, on June 14, 1998, Erik was ordained as a Deacon by Reverend William Cross. He served his church faithfully until his illness prevented him from attending. Erik’s favorite scripture was, II Timothy 2:15 - “Study to show thyself approved unto God a workman that needeth not to be ashamed-rightly dividing the word of truth.” Erik was a good man who loved his family. He was meticulous and charismatic; could build a computer from scratch and light up a room with his infectious smile. Erik enjoyed reading and was a big sports fan. He earned a black belt in Karate and could talk football all day long. He was also a gamer and an avid movie buff. After a long battle with Diabetes and Kidney Disease, late in the evening of Tuesday, January 13, 2015, while he was still sleeping, Erik peacefully took his last breath and went home to be with the Lord. Erik leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Paula Burris-Andrews; two children, Shavone and Donald J. Washington, Jr.; a special granddaughter, Aliyah Washington; his mother, Andrea L. Thomason (Reverend Clyde Thomason); his father, Melvin D. Andrews, Sr. (Priscilla); siblings, Melvin Jr., Jerome Jr., Cheryl, Jeffery, Hope, Lisa, Gerald, Anissa, Karim, Rhasaan, Malik, Rajna, Marc, and Michael; a special niece, Aja Andrews; sister-in-law, Terri Pettiford; godchildren, Van Jr., Vania, and Javan Ellison; a godmother, Vashti Byrd; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. For all who had the privilege of knowing Erik, we will remember him as he was greatly loved and will be sorely missed. Lovingly submitted, The Family