André Derrell Green, the youngest of two children born to Genetta Green and Wilmer Green, Jr., on February 9, 1982, in Marianna, Florida.
At an early age, he joined St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in Marianna. After relocating to Tallahassee, Florida, he later became a member of New Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church.
In 2004, André earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Human Sciences, minoring in Child Development and Housing Residential Sciences at Florida State University in Tallahassee. In 2006, he earned a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in College Student Personnel Administration/Higher Education from University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Missouri.
André’s life and career has been nonetheless admirable and impactful. His career began as a Resident Assistant (2001-2003) and an Orientation Leader (2001-2003) and Contract Student Administrator (2003-2004) while enrolled at Florida State University in Tallahassee. While in graduate school at the University of Central Missouri, he was the Admissions Representative for Multicultural Recruitment (2004-2005) and Orientation Coordinator (2005-2006).
The pinnacle of his professional career was established at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) where André served in a multitude of capacities including Admissions Representative for Multicultural Recruitment (2004-2005), Orientation Coordinator (2005-2006), Student Government Association and Operations (2013-2014), Adjunct Instructor (2010-2018), Associate Director of New Student Orientation (2006-2013; 2014-2017); Director New Student Orientation (2017-2023), Assistant Dean of Students (2019-2023); Director of Efferson Student Union, Activities & Orientation & Campus Visits (2017-2023). In addition to serving the student body of FAMU, he also worked part-time at Artistic Floral with owner Gayle Blocker of Tallahassee, FL.
André’s Professional/Civic Affiliations included: National Orientation Directors Association (NODA), Collegiate Information and Visitor Services Association, Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Society, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, American College Personnel Association, International Association of Turtles, Inc., The Rho Upsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated (to name a few).
Additional impressive accolades include, but not limited to: Outstanding Student Support Award (FAMU Division of Student Government Association, 2023)FAMU Trailblazer Award (FAMU Division of Student Affairs, 2022)Vice President Student Affairs Leadership Award (FAMU Division of Student Affairs, 2022)Department Employee of the Year Award (FAMU Division of Student Affairs 2012)FAMU Chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa Charter Member (2008)Black Man of the Year (Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, 2005)FSU Homecoming Chief Runner-up (2003)Founder and State Vice Chairman of Education & Training (1998-2000) Marianna High School Freshman Class President (1996)Marianna High School Senior Class President (2000)
André was noble and selfless. Genuinely willing to offer his assistance (with his time, knowledge, and talents), André was there, if you needed a helping hand or in a bind. Likewise, it wasn’t uncommon for André to gift someone with an item that he owned. André received gratification knowing that he made a difference in your life, and you were happy. Most notably, André was a dynamic speaker and leader. He had a passion for helping the students at FAMU. Over the years, he became the familiar face of FAMU’s New Student Orientation and Royal Court. The impressionable messages that he delivered to and meaningful interactions with countless incoming freshmen assured them (and their parents) that they had made the best university selection decision as they embarked on their educational journey. In addition, he had a knack for inspiring everyone (children, young, and seasoned adults) to dig deep and push forward, even when faced with challenges. No one can dispute the fact that André loved his family. He frequently spent time visiting or calling to check in on his family. He remembered to send greeting cards on special occasions and holidays. His support and presence were guaranteed at family gatherings or significant events/milestones. For his entire life, André was active in his community, where he volunteered tirelessly for numerous organizations such as the American Harvest Second Food Bank, the American Red Cross, and the Tallahassee Senior Center. André’s creativity was remarkable and stood second to none. He was a visionary and in a class of his own. He could undoubtedly transform a single drab room/venue into an aesthetically appealing “Paradise” with his creative arts and decorating skills. You can rest assured that any event that André accepted or was designated to spearhead was executed with the utmost excellence. His energy was always positive. He had a unique laugh that was contagious and would make anyone smile/laugh.
On Tuesday, August 1, 2023, André gained his heavenly wings. And although he has gone from labor to reward, he is loved and missed by countless family loved ones. He is preceded in death by maternal grandparents: Inez and Roosevelt Boykins, Treather and Andrew Thomas, Eloise King; paternal grandparents: Priscilla and Wilmer Green Sr.; godparents: James and Inez Smith. He is survived by his loving mother, Genetta Green of Marianna, FL; father, Wilmer Green Jr. of West Palm Beach, FL; sister, Lateasha (Kelvin) Simms of Wimauma, FL; aunts: Tereather White, Willa Mae Jugger and Altamese Forward all of Lakeland, FL, Michelle Green and Virginia Dudley all of Marianna, FL; Diane (Caifus) Mignott of Orlando, FL; uncles: Michael (Sonja) Kelly of Atlanta, GA, Arthur Kelly of Williston, ND; nephews: Kameron Simms of Wimauma, FL, K’Juan Simms, Quantico, VA; niece: K’Nisia Simms, Casselberry, FL; godparents: Mabel Leonard, Eunice and Elmo Bryant of Marianna, FL; Godchildren: Corey Williams, Bryson Perry both of Marianna and Aaron Henry of Tallahassee, FL; Jada Roberts of Gainesville, FL. Host of beloved relatives, friends, and colleagues who will miss him dearly.
Homegoing services for Andre' will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. CST at Rivertown Community Church located at 4534 Lafayette St Marianna, FL with Rev. Riley J. Henderson, Rev. Charlie Martin, Rev. Fabian Gammons, Rev. John Wynn, Minister James Rhynes, and Rev. Kelvin L. Simms officiating. Interment will follow in the Buckhorn Church Cemetery in Marianna, FL with the caring staff of Peoples Funeral Home directing.
The body will lie in state from 10:00 AM until funeral time at 11:00 AM at Rivertown Community Church.
A time of public viewing will be held on Friday, August 11, 2023, at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM CST at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church located at 2871 Orange Street Marianna, Florida.