Beverly Guillory Andry

Dr. Beverly Guillory Andry, Ph.D., a trailblazing scholar, esteemed educator, and lifelong advocate for education and community empowerment, passed away June 25, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her legacy is marked by a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.
Born August 3, 1951 in New Orleans, Louisiana, Dr. Beverly G. Andry was a proud member of the first class to integrate Lake Charles High School, where she laid the foundation for a lifetime of breaking barriers and inspiring others. At Xavier University of Louisiana, Dr. Beverly G. Andry excelled both academically and socially, being honored as Miss Black of the Miss Xavier University's Court her graduation year; a testament to her leadership, energy, grace, and commitment to service. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Xavier University of New Orleans before pursuing advanced degrees, including a Master of Arts in Urban Studies from the University of New Orleans, an Executive MBA from Tulane University, in its inaugural year, and a Doctorate in Public Policy & Urban Affairs from Southern University. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Dr. Beverly G. Andry exemplified the sorority's ideals of service to all mankind through her extensive contributions to education and public policy. She was a proud champion of women's empowerment, cultural preservation, and small business development, often using her expertise to mentor others and uplift communities.
Dr. Beverly G. Andry was the heart and soul of her family. Her unwavering love, support, and encouragement created a foundation of strength and unity for an expansive circle of those she held dear. Whether celebrating achievements, offering guidance, or simply sharing her radiant smile, she nurtured and uplifted her family, friends, and community with a boundless generosity of spirit. Her legacy of love and dedication to family will continue to inspire and guide them for generations to come.
Dr. Beverly G. Andry's professional career was marked by dedication as an educator at institutions such as Xavier University of New Orleans, Delgado Community College, and Ashé College Unbound, where she inspired countless students in the fields of business, entrepreneurship, and community development. Beyond the classroom, she made a significant impact as the Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Women Entrepreneurs Business Center and as Interim Executive Director of St. Mark's Community Center. Dr. Beverly G. Andry's leadership extended into her commitment to civic and cultural engagements, including serving on the boards of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, WWOZ-FM Community Radio, Ashe Cultural Arts Center, Broad Community Connections and an abundance of local organizations dedicated to fostering a stronger community. Dr. Beverly G. Andry contributed a vital role in facilitating economic and cultural growth in New Orleans and beyond. Her work took her across the globe to a number of African countries, supported by prestigious grants, where she explored global public policy and cultural exchange.
Throughout her life, Dr. Beverly G. Andry's dynamic achievements-including building nearly a city block of affordable housing with the Mid-City Community Development Corporation, mentoring youth to achieve GED certification, developing micro-grant programs to assist women, New Orleans musicians and the cultural bearer community showcased her unwavering commitment to equality, service, and excellence.
Dr. Beverly Guillory Andry is preceded in death by her father Frank X. Guillory, mother Eula Thierry Guillory, brother Gregory X. Guillory, sister Blanche B. Guillory and nephew Harold X. Payne. She is survived by her husband Michael A. Andry, her daughters Megan B. Andry, Nina D. Andry and Ashley M. Andry, son-in-law Horace Harris, sisters Wanda G. Payne and Roslin M. Guillory, brother Hamilton Guillory, sister-in-law Angie Ford-Guillory, mother-in-law Marietta R. Andry. Further carrying her legacy are her seven grandchildren: Corey D. Johnson-Andry, Irie A. Dennison, Cai M. Johnson-Andry, Amina Duplessis, Shia, Shilo and Shiye Harris, and numerous nieces and nephews that will also carry the legacy of the family and that of the extended family that shared her life of service. Even with her commitment and dedication to the New Orleans community, she still managed to be a monument in her family that treated everyone with so much love and care. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and the countless individuals she mentored and inspired throughout her life.
A celebration of Dr. Beverly G. Andry's life, love and light will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at Saint Maria Goretti Catholic Church at 7300 Crowder Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70126. Visitation at 10:00 AM followed by Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Repast to immediately follow at the St. Maria Goretti Community Center across from the church. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.