Andrew David Williams-Watson

Andrew Williams-Watson peacefully passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2024, surrounded by his
family. He was born on January 17, 1986, in East Meadow, NY and has spent most of his life as
a Maryland resident.
Andrew was the loving son of Darren M. Watson and Deborah Denice Williams. He was the dedicated
and devoted father of Xavier Alexander Williams-Watson and the beloved partner to Valerie Jackson.
Andrew adored his only son, Xavier and enjoyed many fun activities with him. They have experienced
a Disney cruise, Diggerland, Arena Football League, indoor sky diving, a Virtual Reality and gamers
vacation and Xavier has even flown a plane. Andrew did everything with Xavier who served as his
sous chef for years, culminating in Xavier's solo chef event last year for his sister Jalisa's baby shower
where his family, including Andrew, served as sous chefs. On special occasions and even just random
days Andrew and Xavier could be found delivering meals to the shut-in, care packages to our local
shelters or gifts to those he wanted to show random acts of kindness to.
Andrew received his high school diploma from Woodstock MD Job Corp Center and went on to
complete an Advanced Culinary Arts program and received his Certified Chef credentials at Treasure
Island JCC in San Francisco.
Andrew was a pastry chef who worked briefly for Norwegian cruise line after working in various
restaurants, including a small bakery where he debuted his flourless chocolate cake before starting
his own 'Thumbs Up' catering company. His menu included favorites like his 5-cheese Macaroni, crab
cakes and signature shrimp and grits. He also had a career in counseling special needs and
incarcerated youth.
Many athletes addressed him as Coach Drew as he mentored and coached their high school careers.
Andrew served as the Assistant Coach for St. James from 2015-2020 and in 2021 was named Head
Coach which he served until his passing. He also served as the Assistant Freshmen Coach at South
High School and coached a Jr. Basketball League during these years. His motto to everyone he coached
was "NEXT LEVEL." He challenged everyone player to go to the NEXT LEVEL, on the court, in the class
room, and as a person in life in general. Always be working to go to the NEXT LEVEL
In addition to the immediate family already mentioned, Andrew is survived and deeply missed by his
grandmother Jegertha Watson, brother Darren M. Watson II, sister Shanoria Walker (Jeffrey), Aunts
Veanus Williams, Toni Massey Dyal (Anthony), and Nicole Feagins, Uncles James and David Williams,
Cousins Latrice Williams, Kris, Brian, Mikal, Lilianna and Matthew Silva, Nephews Darren M. Watson
III, Jeffrey Walker II and Jeyden Walker and a host of other family members and lifelong friends who
became family.
Andrew is predeceased by Grandparents Willie Watson and Virginia and James Williams, Uncle
Walter Watson, and Aunts Anna and Ella Williams.
We will all miss Andrew's humor, his generosity, his loving spirit and all his catchy phrases like
"You're right, I'm wrong", "A-Yo", "My Man", 'Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang', 'Boss', 'Can't do that' and many,
many others.
He will be remembered for the heart he shared with everyone that he encountered. Andrew's life was
a source of joy to those who knew him, and he will be remembered for his warm smile, his generous
heart and the service he provided to others. He will be missed tremendously.
We will honor Andrew's life with a memorial service on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Zion Baptist
Church, 61 W Bethel St, Hagerstown, MD. Visitation will be 10:30am-11:00, and the service will begin
immediately after.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Salvation Army Hagerstown Corps, 525
George Street, Hagerstown, 21740.