Andrew Chavers

Andrew Chavers was born September 13,1928, in Clarksdale, Mississippi to Beulah Thompson Chavers and Henry Chavers. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Arthur Chavers, sister Nancy Chavers Hill and son James King. Andrew was also known as ‘Brown’ because his stepfather, Josh Brown, married his mother during his youth. Andrew loved Josh dearly. Josh worked for the Railroad Company and provided for their every need, which led to Andrew’s value of financial resources and management. Andrew enjoyed his youth and acquired many lifelong friends along the way.

Andrew and Mildred Cox met when they were teenagers. They dated several years and were united in Holy Matrimony in 1952. To this union, three children were born: Blanche, Linda Joyce (deceased), and Edith.

Andrew served in the United States Army from 1950 to 1956 and was a Korean War veteran. During his term of service, he was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation, a Combat Infantry Badge, and two Bronze Medals.

After an Honorable discharge from the army, Andrew completed high school, and graduated from Coahoma County Agricultural High School. Soon afterwards, he began working at Cooper Tire and Rubber Company in Clarksdale. After 10 years with the company, he applied for a Foreman position and became its first Black Foreman in 1966. He was Foreman for 20 years and 7 months and worked for the company for over 30+ years.

Andrew’s mother was a long time, devout member of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.  He was 8 years old when he accepted Christ and joined the church. At the time of his death, he was the oldest and longest living member of New Bethel. He was a Deacon, a Trustee, a Finance Committee Member, a Robert Harris’ Scholarship Committee Member, a Mentor, and a Friend to many. He loved to sing and along with his friend Rev. Robert Walker co-founded and participated in the Male Chorus Ministries in Clarksdale which are still operating in local churches.

Andrew was also involved in the community. He was a life-long member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and belonged to the VFW Post 8590 in Clarksdale. He served in leadership for many years and was counted on for financial management.

With his family by his side, Andrew left this earthly life on November 30, 2024 at Regional One Health Center in Memphis, Tennessee. He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife Mildred and two daughters from their 78-year union, Blanche Chavers (Gubare Mpambara) of Bloomington, MN, and Edith Chavers Elion (Leonard) of Seattle, WA. He also leaves daughter Faye Simpson-Jackson (Donnell) of Chicago, IL; grandchildren Kaita Mpambara (Los Angeles, CA), Latoya Marshall (Carlton) of Chicago, IL, Lakisha Garrett of Chicago, IL, James Simpson, Jr. (Tamiko) of Chicago, IL; six great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many good friends.

Visitation is at Royal Funeral Home Friday, December 13, 2024 from 2-4p.m. Services are 11a.m. at Chapel Hill Baptist Church in Clarksdale, MS. on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Burial to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery, Lyon, MS.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Andrew Chavers, please visit our floral store.