The staff at Dorchester Funeral Home would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family of Ms. Electa Andrews. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.& Isiah 41:10

Electa Andrews was born on March 12, 1940, to the late Ervin Andrews, Sr. and the late Sarah Lee Neeley Andrews. She was the youngest of four siblings.

She was raised by the late Annie Crawford and the late Willie Belle Neeley.Her Uncle Rufus Neeley joined the Army as a brave young soldier who was killed during WWII, within months of his marriage. Having no children of their own, his wife Willie Belle raised Electa, her niece through marriage, as her own in the Sunbury family community.

Electa is the great granddaughter of the Reverend Floyd Snelson who came to Liberty County in the mid-1800s. He was an educator, and the first principal of the Dorchester Academy as well as founder of the Midway Congregational Church. The Snelson-Golden Middle School was named in honor of him.

Electa attended school in Liberty County, where she later worked as a teacher's aide. She will be remembered as a multitalented hard worker and humbled servant, having served the community in many facets to include jobs at Fort Stewart and at Camp Viking.

Her passion for service flourished when she took a job with the Liberty County Sheriff's Department in February 1972 as the first black female to be employed with the Liberty County Regional Jail. Electa rose through the ranks as Food Service Supervisor, Radio Dispatcher, Jailer, Jail Supervisor, Lieutenant, the first Assistant Jail Administrator, and then promoted to Captain. She excelled throughout her career and retired in 2002 after 30 years of dedicated and exemplary service.

Electa served her community and county as chairman of fundraising events for worthy causes, member of the Fraternal Order of Police, member of the Mental Health Board, and representative of Georgia Jail Association. In recognition of her exceptional service, Electa was given a key to the city of Hinesville.

She also served as a good and faithful Christian as a member or participant at Sunbury Missionary Baptist, Palmyra Baptist, Beach Hill Baptist, and St Paul Missionary Baptist Church. After discovering family history and genealogy, she became a member of the Midway Congregational Church.

Electa was only 5'3" in height, but stood out as a pillar in the community and as a role model and mentor to many. She will be remembered across the counties and state of Georgia as a kind and caring person, who showed compassion, empathy, and resolve.

There are many of all nationalities and denominations that have called her "MOM" because she believed in treating people right and forgiving them regardless of what they did. "I don't judge," she would say. "That's left up to God." But some do say she would put the fear of God in them if they did not listen or act right; and she did not hesitate to give tough love if it would put those who would stray on the right track to success in being a productive citizen.

Those who knew Electa, are well aware of how deeply she cared for her family, especially her two daughters, Deborah and Annie, and her grandson, DeAngelo.

Raising her daughters as a single parent, and a woman active in the household, community, and work, she was a role model of strength, courage, and fortitude. Electa exemplified the value of service, and how important it is to help others and to recognize their value.

Instilling in her children that a life worth living is a life worth sharing, serving, and giving of oneself, she set the standards and laid the foundation for what her daughters have achieved. And she leaves behind a strong legacy of a meaningful and purposeful life of service.

She leaves many to cherish her memories, including: two beloved and devoted daughters, Deacon Deborah Andrews Dawson, R.N. and her husband Lorenzo Dawson of Hinesville, GA., and Rear Admiral Annie Belle Andrews, U.S.Navy (Ret) of Alexandria, VA.; grandson, Deacon DeAngelo Andrew Dawson of Charlotte, NC.; two step-grandsons, Antonio L. Dawson of Temecula, CA., andAnthony Dawson and his wife Tiffany, of Thompson, GA.; a step-granddaughter, Rhonda Barrett and her husband Christopher of Atlanta, GA.; a step-grand son-in-law, Shawn Heath of Lithonia, GA.; nine step-great grandchildren; one step great greatgrandchild; a sister, Catherine Andrews, of Hinesville, GA.; two brothers, MSGT Ervin Andrews, U.S. Army (Ret) and his wife Margaret, of Brockton, MA.; Isaac B. Andrews and his wife Oveder, of Philadelphia, PA.; many loving nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews; and many other cherished relatives and friends.

VISITATION ON MONDAY AUGUST 30 WILL BE A WALK THUR FROM 2-6 PM.

FUNERAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD INSIDE THE CHAPEL WITH A LIMIT OF 50 FAMILY MEMBERS, ALL OTHERS THAT WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND MAY DO SO BUT WILL HAVE TO BE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE CHAPEL. SERVICES WILL BE LIVESTREAM.