Mary Anna Andrews, 91, of Memphis, Missouri and Milton, Iowa, died peacefully on July 18, 2025 at her daughter’s home, where she had been residing and cared for in the last years of her life.
She was born August 9, 1933, to Brainerd and Genola (Cunningham) Billups near Memphis. She attended elementary school at Pleasant Hill, Center Point, and Clay Point rural schools; finally graduating from Memphis High School in 1951. She continued on to receive a bachelors and master’s in education from Northeast Missouri Teachers College (Truman State).
Teaching was her life’s career and gift to the world. She taught for over 30 years, most of which were spent teaching second grade in Memphis. She was an unassuming pillar of the community who shaped so many and could always be relied upon for a kind word and support in any matter. She retired from teaching in 1989.
Mary Anna was married twice. Once in 1960 to Frank Vizy (later divorced). From this union, she had one child, Gail Sue, who currently lives in North Carolina.
In 1981, she married Rolland Andrews. They lived happily in Milton, Iowa for many years. They were steadfast partners, Mary Anna assisted Rolland with his business ventures, but their connecting passion and joy was music. Mary Anna played piano and sang in a band they had together with Donna McDaniel. They played at local events, recorded several albums and brought joy to so many with their lighthearted bluegrass and folk tunes.
Mary Anna grew up a member of Providence Baptist Church near Azen. After marrying Rolland, they regularly attended Grace Methodist Church in Milton, where she taught Sunday school. They were both active in all aspects of church life, but of course they especially loved being part of the music program.
Surviving Mary Anna is her daughter, Gail Gregory and granddaughter, Kailin Solomons; her younger brother, Richard Billups (Joella); her cousin, Nelda Billups; her stepdaughter, Carol Hesterman (Tom); three stepsons, Terry Andrews, Alan Andrews (Pam), and Chad Andrews; plus, many step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.
Mary Anna is preceded in death by Rolland Andrews, Frank Vizy, her eldest brother, Donald Billups, her parents, and many other relatives and friends.
11 comments
Mary Anna was a supportive and loving wife to my dad, assisting him in all his musical endeavors and activities. They enjoyed a happy life together.
Mary Anna was a lovely, kind lady. Uncle Rolland and Mary Anna definitely shared a love of music. The reunion in Heaven grows larger each year. We lost my Dad – Joe Andrews on March 1st. May their music continue in Heaven.
Gail, So sorry for your mother’s passing. She will always be remembered as such a kind and loving person. I remember what a wonderful second grade teacher she was.!!
So Sorry for family I lived across the street still do She was the first to Welcome to Milton
So Sorry for the family lived across the street still do She was the first one to Welcome me for Milton Such a kind wonderful lady and person
So Sorry for your Loss
Gail, so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was a lovely lady.
It has been a pleasure to live behind Mary Anna and you, Gail. I loved Mary Anna’s smile and pleasantness. She was old and frail but kept taking walks in the neighborhood and greeted people with joy. You have been a model daughter in the loving way you have taken care of her for the last 8 plus years. She will be missed in our neighborhood. With love, Kelly Clark Boldt
Condolences as we remember Aunt Mary Anna. Looking forward to when we will all be able to gather together in the presence of perfect love and light to celebrate our reunion and freedom from our physical challenges and limitations. Until then, I am thankful for all our cherished memories with her, one being during summer vacation from school, going with her to her classroom before the new semester started to prepare it for her students coming in the new school year. Lou and I send our love to Gail, Kailin, and all the family during this time of remembrance.
Gail, our family is so sorry for your loss! She was a wonderful lady and nice to everyone. My mom enjoyed working at school with her and I enjoyed working with her on our cemetery board.
She was an angel long before she acquired her wings.
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