Andrea Miller Thompson was born to Richard and Claree Joyce Miller in Brooklyn, NY on August 11, 1952. She made the transition from labor to reward on February 18, 2026 at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. surrounded by family.

With her family, "Dre" as she was affectionately called, relocated to Winston-Salem at an early age. She spent the bulk of her youth being the "Big Sister" to her younger siblings and excelling academically. She would often get lost in a good book with her vivid imagination. American Legion Post 220 softball team was blessed with not only her talents, but her two sisters also. These three were known to put on a show for a good old softball game on a hot sunny day. Andrea was a proud graduate of R.J. Reynolds High School class of 1970.

Following graduation, Andrea began the undergraduate stage of higher education at Winston-Salem State University and later received a bachelor's degree from High Point University in Business Administration. Over the course of her professional life, she not only retired once but twice. Andrea believed in hard work, and she demonstrated a work ethic that set a standard for others in her presence. She devoted over 17 years to R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.

Next, she spent several years serving Purchasing Departments within Winston-Salem Forsyth County School System, Guilford County School System, and Winston-Salem State University, where she retired as assistant purchasing director. In true "Dre form," she refused to sit still and went back to work at the University of North Carolina School of Arts and North Carolina A&T State University , in the purchasing department of course. She was a true shopper, personally and professionally.

At an early age, Andrea accepted Christ as her Savior and remained active in church life until her health declined serving in several capacities including as a choir member, trustee, usher, hostess, youth leader, financial secretary, and many more. Andrea loved the Lord and served with pure love and a desire to help.

She was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life for 38 years, Ernest Thompson; her parents; her sisters, Karla Connally and Alyicia Greene; and her brother, Gordon Reid. To cherish her memory, she leaves behind her only child and beloved daughter – Ernestine "Teena" Thompson; cherished great nieces, Sanyia and Jessica Connally; sister, Barbara McCollough; and brother, Terry Hemphill.   Andrea was a mother figure to many students and staff who matriculated through the walls of Winston-Salem State University. She also leaves a host of nieces and nephews, additional loved ones, and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Piney Grove Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1:00pm on Wednesday at the Church.