Maria Young Andrews, 83, of Gainesville, GA, departed this life on Thursday, November 26, 2020. Graveside services will be held at 12:00 p.m. December 12, 2020, at Academy Heights Memorial Cemetery, Taylortown, North Carolina, burial will follow the service. A viewing will be held from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. Friday, December 11, 2020, at Purcell Funeral Home, Southern Pines. Services are entrusted to Purcell Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Ms. Maria Montez Young Andrews was born August 14, 1937, in Washington, DC. She departed this earthly life and gained her heavenly wings on Thursday, November 26, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. Maria was the beloved daughter of Kelly and Eloise Cagle Young, who she will be joining in Heaven.
At the age of two, Maria Montez the third of what became thirteen children moved to Taylortown, North Carolina with her family, the place she always called home. She attended Our Lady of Victory Elementary School in Southern Pines, North Carolina, and Academy Heights High School in Taylortown. Montez (Maria) moved to Jamestown, Ohio where she met and married Albert Andrews who preceded her in death.
At an early age, Maria Montez showed a passion for cooking and developed a style for which she became known both professionally and privately wherever she was. Much of her work was with non-profits, especially with VA organizations. Maria Montez loved to travel and to explore new places. Her last trip was a year ago in November and December 2019 when she visited her son in Denmark. Montez (Maria) was known for her generosity and was often referred to as one who would “literally give the shirt off her back”. More recently, despite her limited mobility, Montez became a philosophical rock for family members, giving counsel and hope to many.
Maria Montez had eight children. She leaves to cherish her beloved memory: Darlina Herring (Booker) of St. Petersburg, Florida; Marvina Cuellar of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Jessica Jackson of Southern Pines, North Carolina; Raymond Andrews of Copenhagen, Denmark; Mantise Andrews (Yvonne) of Raeford, North Carolina; and Nadia Young of Atlanta, Georgia; who was caretaker of her Mother for the last seven years. Maria will be joining two of her children, who preceded her in death: Belinda Andrews of Paint Creek, West Virginia; and Jackie Andrews of Augusta, Georgia. She leaves to cherish her beloved memory: fifteen grandchildren, and twenty-eight great-grandchildren.
Maria Montez had thirteen siblings. She leaves to cherish her beloved memory of four sisters: Dr. June Young of Oakland, California; Maxine Bradby of Southern Pines, North Carolina; Denyse Young Mims (Robert) of Augusta, Georgia; and Imelda Jackson of Orlando, Florida; two brothers: Winston Young (Para) of Southern Pines, North Carolina; and Glinwood Young of Oakland, California. Maria will be joining six of her siblings, who preceded her in death: Kelly Jr. Young of Boston, Massachusetts; Avon Young of Southern Pines, North Carolina; Clementine Bowling of Pinehurst, North Carolina; Hurley Young of Southern Pines, North Carolina; Joseph Young Augusta, Georgia; Tyrone Young of Vallejo, California. She also leaves her special brother-in-law, Frank Bowling, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Maria Montez passing leaves a big gap in our chain, but she will always live in our hearts!
