Andrew Douglas Little

Andrew Douglas Little was a father, friend, teacher, mentor, and a man of deep faith. He was an intricate balance between fierce and loving. As a man of many talents and a rebel with a cause, he, by all accord, lived life his way. It has been said that "Andrew, is Andrew" - he was truly unique.

Andrew was born to William Douglas Little and Anna Marie Johnson (Upchurch) on September 5, 1954, on Detroit's west side. Andrew attended Detroit Public Schools yet in his own words, he attended "The School of Hard Knocks." 

At a very young age, not yet a teenager, Andrew wanted to be a help to his family and felt urged to earn money. They had a neighbor, Papa Jack, a carpenter and builder who allowed Drew to start working with him by gathering tools and joining him, hands-on. Being smart and driven, he took learning the trade of carpentry seriously. Andrew, like the natural he was, gained mastery and the skill would serve him well in his life. He was a great builder and craftsman. From building a house from the ground up to remodeling a room; from painting to repairing appliances, Drew did it all. He proudly trained and shared jobs with his sons. Being a perfectionist, he taught them to "measure three times and cut once." Andrew became an Operator for the Detroit Department of Transportation in 1978 and began driving trucks after earning his CDL in 1986. Andrew was a talented and intelligent man who took great pride in working.

Some of the other things that Andrew enjoyed were fishing; he loved socializing on the water and catching fish with friends and family. He was serious about his coffee, black with plenty of sugar and he delighted in his morning coffee breaks with loved ones. He was certified in horticulture and took care and satisfaction in planting flowers and making outdoor landscapes. He had an undeniable love for creating and appreciating beautiful things. He loved cooking and BBQing, always boasting on his BBQ sauce and Chilli recipes. His bragging rights were well deserved! He was musical, loving R&B, Funk, and Gospel. He affectionately gave his children, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, and friends special nicknames. Drew had a way of being as generous with his time as he was stern with his rules. He had an adoringly cutting sense of humor and rarely backed down from anything.

Andrew loved Jehovah God and believed in Christ. He was not shy about sharing God's Word and offering love and uplift by reminding you about God's promises. He knew how to be encouraging by offering his trials and triumphs as testimony.

Of all the things in his life, Andrew was most pleased with his children, Andrew Jr. (Tiffany) shared with Carmen Bell;  and Tyrone (Shayna), Shereece, Monique, and Travis shared with Myrtle Denice Thompson-Curtis. These were his most precious relationships and they will cherish him immensely. Also cherishing his memory are his grandchildren Shanti, Edgerrin, Stephen, Aminah, Madison, Timothy, Travis Jr., Seti, Joseph, Cayden, Christian, Sarah, Sapphire, and Elijah. 

Andrew will be so dearly loved and missed by his remaining siblings Ellis Little, Madeline Minor, Darnell Little, Brenda Wright, Bill Little, Cynthia Little, Gale Carter, Alisa Martin, Anthony Little, Tamara Moore, Adisa Shakur (Christine), Bella Nichols, and Jolene Little. He will never leave the hearts and minds of his many beloved nieces and nephews. 

Andrew transitioned from his earthly body on February 17, 2024, to join his parents and siblings Tommy, Ernestine (Tina), Michael, and Dana.

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