2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

Andrea Griggs,82 of West Monroe was gently taken from her earthly home into the Arms of her Lord and Savior on Wednesday evening, September 25, 2024, after courageous and valiant battles with cancer. Andrea was, first, a Christian, and was steadfast in her Christian Beliefs. She loved her Church and her Church Family at McClendon Baptist Church, where she was a longtime member. A career-educator, Andrea began teaching in Franklin parish schools, subsequently moving to the Monroe City School System, and finishing her career in the Ouachita Parish School System, having taught school for over 25 years.

Andrea was a homemaker, and a Master Gardener. On June 11, 2024, she was awarded the prestigious status of “Master Gardner Emeritus,” signifying ten years of faithful service by the Northeast Louisiana Master Gardner Association. She enjoyed cooking for her family and hosting family gatherings, especially for birthdays and holidays, as well as caring for her beautiful plants and flowers. Even during her illness, she could be found at one of the area gardening centers, choosing flowers and plants to “adopt” and bring home. She was a member of the Ouachita Flower Society and served approximately 20 years as a member of the Board of Control for the Ouachita Parish Library System. And most of all, she loved Southern Gospel Music and her beloved “Mature Melody Makers” group at McClendon Baptist Church.

Andrea was born in Rayville, Louisiana on May 4, 1942, to Alfred Eliase “Curly” and Rose Mae Miller Oglesby. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, as well as by husbands, Billy Wayne Heckford, Sr. and Harold G. Griggs. She was also predeceased bytwo Sisters and one Brother, Peggy James of Granbury, Texas, Janice Caison of Shallotte, North Carolina, and Alfred Oglesby, Jr. of West Monroe.

Andrea is survived by her children, Billy Wayne Heckford, Jr.and Wife, Lisa, of Calhoun and by Cindy McKinney and Husband, Randy of West Monroe, by her step-children, who she Loved as her own, Kay Bishop and Husband, Wade, of West Monroe, Kathy Sadler and Husband, Bryan, also of West Monroe and Jay Griggs of Chatham. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Brandy Bostick and Husband, Caleb, Jacob Heckford and Wife Rachel, Annalee Armstrong and Husband, Blaine, and Mallorie McKinney and Fiancé, Bailey Green; by Step-Grandchildren, Ashley Walker and Husband Kyle, Jason Bishop and Wife, Britany, Crystal Carter McDougle and Husband, Trey, as well as by Jeremy Griggs, J.J. Griggs and Rachael Clayton. Surviving Andrea, as well, are four Sisters: Brenda MeHalko of Villa Hills, Kentucky, Sharon Smith of West Monroe, LaDonna Brooks of Orange Park, Florida, and Leisa Oglesby-Tucker of Shreveport. Additionally, she is survived by numerous great grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Sunday afternoon September 29^th from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.in the McClendon Baptist Church Sanctuary in West Monroe, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 3:00 p.m. Officiating will be Rev. Kevin Stewart, Lead Pastor of McClendon Baptist Church and Rev. Zack Anderson, Lead Pastor of Cheniere Baptist Church. Interment will be at Kilpatrick’s Serenity Gardens in West Monroe. In Lieu of Flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Billy W. Heckford Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of Louisiana at Monroe or to The Gideons International.

Honoring Ms. Griggs as Pall Bearers will be Jacob Heckford, Jason Bishop, Blaine Armstrong, Caleb Bostick, Kyle Walker, Trey McDougle, and J.J. Griggs.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Deacons of Cheniere Baptist Church and Deacons of McClendon Baptist Church.

The family wishes to extend special appreciation to the Senior Adult Sunday School Class of McClendon Baptist Church, and to Drs. Ronald Hubbard and Scott Barron of the St. Francis Health System, for the care extended throughout the years.

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