Mrs. Andretta McCants

Obituary For Mrs. Andretta McCants

Andretta Ruth Nicholas was born on January 29, 1956 in Mobile, Al to the late Ms. Gloria Wheaton Finney and Alexander Files, both of Mobile, AL. She was her mother’s second child out of five children, and was the eldest of her father’s five children. Andretta was a special little girl - extremely strong-willed and consciously quiet, but she shared an inseparable bond with her paternal grandmother, Ms. Mary Ellen Files of Mobile, AL. Her grandmother was extremely important to her. Though Andretta was raised in the homes of both her mother and grandmother, she would come to learn that her blended families would be quite the influence of how she approached and overcame her life’s challenges. Though she was soft spoken and extremely shy, she managed to understand the basic fundamentals of business. Andretta was quite the entrepreneur, as she enjoyed, as well as profited from, her grandmother’s frozen cup business. She quickly adapted and learned the value of building one’s own empire. She definitely had her own constitution, which was exemplified in all she achieved. Andretta’s entrepreneurial spirit guided and cultivated her success throughout her collegiate journey, as she would later matriculate and master business coursework. Her knack for “Dollars & Sense” would ultimately be the driving force of how she envisioned life. Andretta’s outlook on life was to ‘Make a Decision and Keep Moving Forward.’ Her no-nonsense personality, coupled with her ability to appear unassuming, is where she thrived. She was indeed the epitome of the “Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove.” Andretta was affectionately known as the Humble Child. She was educated in the Mobile County Public School System, where she attended Faith Lutheran School, Dunbar School and Davidson High School. Shortly thereafter, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Wiley College, Marshall, TX. Andretta’s college tenure would also include her studies at Alabama State University, Stillman College, & Alabama A&M University. At an early age, she was urgently persuaded and strongly believed in the youth pursuing and achieving an education. Andretta was a very serious student, and was part of the Davidson High School COE program during her high school years. Andretta’s work experiences began with the Alabama’s Core of Engineer facility as an Admin/ Generalist. During this particular career experience, she learned the importance of never settling, but used this opportunity to fuel and accomplish her goals, which ultimately defined and prepared her for more professional roles. Andretta always found a way to bring a smile and laughter to anyone that came into contact with her. She had a charming personality that would brighten your day and was always willing to help anyone in need. She particularly loved children, and it warmed her heart to hold and spoil children with love and kindness. She was very proud of all of her nieces and nephews and always had an open ear to listen. She was a secret keeper, problem solver, and her demeanor was that of a very trustworthy and honest advisor. She encouraged the youth to pursue their dreams; however, she reminded them to be sure to make a life, as well as a living. Family was very important to her; hence, she would ultimately meet the love of her life. On March 2, 1979, Andretta married Woodrow McCants Jr. who was also an unassuming gentleman that found himself a lady who was both intriguing and intellectual. Woodrow was an Airman in the United States Airforce. From the time they met, they were inseparable. Given this, they would quickly experience having the birth of their first and, ultimately, only child, April Reneice McCants, who became their heartbeat and the center of their world. As their marriage flourished, the McCants Family bonds strengthened and Woodrow relocated his family to West Mobile. By way of marriage, Andretta became a member of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, which would be the beginning of her transition from the Lutheran faith. Andretta was baptized at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, where she dedicated many years of service to the church as a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, Missionary (Matrons), Red Circle member and she worked on several pastor’s anniversary committees. She would later become extremely engaged in her daughter’s church activities, all of which inspired and motivated her to remain in the service of the Lord, as well as the local church. Professionally, Andretta’s career would go in another direction where she would migrate from Business to Social Work. In this field, she would provide an amazing service within The Alabama Department of Human Resources. Her beginnings within the agency varied from a Generalist to Social Worker III, where she worked within the JOBS unit. Throughout her tenure, she impacted the lives of many Alabamians, but more importantly the lives of children. Her devotion was felt throughout the entire agency, and her colleagues often referred to her as a “Quiet Storm.” She was a very compassionate person with a heart of gold, who would give the last of anything she had, always making sacrifices for others, even if she needed it for herself. She was indeed the description of Proverbs 31:10-31, Who can find a virtuous woman?...We did. Andretta loved her family and her friends. She was a devoted daughter, mother, sister, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, Godmother and friend. Andretta touched so many lives & she never forsook her Christian duty to keep love at the forefront of all she did. She was the picture of what love should express. Andretta’s compassion for others often exemplified her love for her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. Let us remember Andretta for her love towards others. She loved unapologetically; and she did it her way each and every day. Andretta had four beautiful grandchildren and one of them she personally raised with all the love in her heart. Taylor Alexis McCants was the apple of her grandmother’s eye. She also adored her other grandchildren Louis Gloston IV, Landon Gloston and Londyn Gloston. Though Andretta did not have a son personally, Louis Gloston III, was a bonus son, with whom she often shared cherished times. Andretta was a fighter. She has fought the good fight of faith. Her race has been run. May the Lord keep her & let us be filled with thanksgiving for her love & her compassion for not just her family, but to all families. On Sunday March 19, 2023, Andretta departed this earthly life, and her soul took flight to be with our Heavenly Father. Andretta was preceded in death by her Parents: Ms. Gloria Wheaton Finney and Mr. Alexander Files; Grandmother, Ms. Mary Ellen Files; Mother and Father -in-law: Mr. Woodrow McCants, Sr. & Mrs. Hattie McCants; Sister: Michelle Nicholas Johnson; Brother-in-law: John Harris; She leaves to cherish beautiful memories: her husband, Woodrow McCants, Jr; daughter, April McCants Gloston (Louis), grandchildren, Taylor McCants, Louis Gloston IV, Landon Gloston, & Londyn Gloston; Sisters: Gail Harris, Rose Montanez (Jose); Brother: Joseph Nicholas; Brothers-in-law; Col. Rivers Jake Johnson Jr., Otha McCants, Sr (Vanessa), Roy McCants, (Jeannette), Victor McCants, Jr (Pat); Sisters-in-law: Wanda Grant (Jay), Natashia Spearman (Elwin), Angela Shelly (Michael), Karen Alexander. Devoted aunt Gail Wright (Henry) Her loving Godchildren; Amanda Bradley; Gayritha Wright; & Brandon Connors. Nieces and Nephews: Tuajana Nicholas; Chrystal Johnson-McCurdy, Rashard Nicholas, Royce (Tammy) Harris; Rivers (Crystal) Johnson Ill; Genavese Harris, James (Whitney) Bradley Jr, Ashante (Sabrina) Nicholas, Amanda Harris, Roosevelt Bradley and Jarren Nicholas; Johnson, Cassidy Nicholas, Kourtland Nicholas, Kieran Nicholas, Kayla Nicholas, Louis Gloston IV, Landon Gloston, Londyn Gloston, Paige McCurdy, Peyton McCurdy, Cookson Bradley, DeMarion Harris, Abigail Harris, Aliza Harris, Annalisa Harris, Rivers Johnson IV, Emma Johnson and Zaria Nicholas. India Burns (Eric) Otha McCants (Rhonda) Rodrick McCants, Terrence McCants( Derrica) Roland Harris (Shannon); Aaron Alexander; Cameron Alexander; Brittany Robinson (Jay); Victor McCants, Jr; Kayla McCants; Crista McCants, Jessica McCants, Jason McCants, Justin McCants, Michael Shelly Jr; Lauryn Burns, Eric Burns, Evan Burns, Rowan McCants; Owen McCants, Carter McCants, Madison McCants, Emory Robinson, Kyler McCants, Parker McCants; Piper McCants; Patrick Burrell; Payden Burrell; Azaryiah McCants, Kai McCants, Amari McCants; And a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.