Mary Anna Andrews

Mary Anna Andrews, 91, of Memphis, Missouri and Milton, Iowa, died peacefully on July 18, 2025 at her daughter's home, where she had been residing and cared for in the last years of her life.

She was born August 9, 1933, to Brainerd and Genola (Cunningham) Billups near Memphis. She attended elementary school at Pleasant Hill, Center Point, and Clay Point rural schools; finally graduating from Memphis High School in 1951. She continued on to receive a bachelors and master's in education from Northeast Missouri Teachers College (Truman State).

Teaching was her life's career and gift to the world. She taught for over 30 years, most of which were spent teaching second grade in Memphis. She was an unassuming pillar of the community who shaped so many and could always be relied upon for a kind word and support in any matter. She retired from teaching in 1989.

Mary Anna was married twice. Once in 1960 to Frank Vizy (later divorced). From this union, she had one child, Gail Sue, who currently lives in North Carolina.

In 1981, she married Rolland Andrews. They lived happily in Milton, Iowa for many years. They were steadfast partners, Mary Anna assisted Rolland with his business ventures, but their connecting passion and joy was music. Mary Anna played piano and sang in a band they had together with Donna McDaniel. They played at local events, recorded several albums and brought joy to so many with their lighthearted bluegrass and folk tunes.

Mary Anna grew up a member of Providence Baptist Church near Azen. After marrying Rolland, they regularly attended Grace Methodist Church in Milton, where she taught Sunday school. They were both active in all aspects of church life, but of course they especially loved being part of the music program.

Surviving Mary Anna is her daughter, Gail Gregory and granddaughter, Kailin Solomons; her younger brother, Richard Billups (Joella); her cousin, Nelda Billups; her stepdaughter, Carol Hesterman (Tom); three stepsons, Terry Andrews, Alan Andrews (Pam), and Chad Andrews; plus, many step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.

Mary Anna is preceded in death by Rolland Andrews, Frank Vizy, her eldest brother, Donald Billups, her parents, and many other relatives and friends.