Earline Andrews

BIOGRAPHY

Andrews was born in Marion County, Texas, USA, on 28 October 1910 to parents Albert Sidney Hart (1873–1955) and Quincy Mebane Burks (1890–1974). She had an older brother, Raymond Burks Hart (1905–1985).

In 1928, Andrews graduated from high school in Vivian, Louisiana. She attained her undergraduate degree from Louisiana State Normal College (now Northwestern State University) in Natchitoches in 1931. She subsequently earned a Master of Arts degree from Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches. Shortly thereafter, she initiated her career as a teacher, taking her first job in Arkansas.

Andrews’ world travelling journey began in 1932 when she embarked on a solo train trip to New Orleans. A year later she went alone to the World’s Fair in Chicago. She aspired to visit every state in the union (48 at the time), a goal she would eventually achieve. At the age of 80, she walked along the Great Wall of China. At the age of 85, she rode a camel in Egypt and explored the ruins of Ephesus. At the age of 89, she visited Istanbul.

In 1974, Andrews concluded her teaching career, with her final position being at a school in Tyler, Texas. A year later, she married Gunby Houston Andrews (1906–1989), a school superintendent. She remained a devoted member of Glenwood United Methodist Church from 1949 until the church’s closure in 2007. She then became associated with Pollard United Methodist Church.

Andrews cast her vote for President Donald Trump in the 2020 U.S. general elections, solidifying her position as one of the nation’s most elderly voters. Additionally, she garnered recognition from the President himself, who acknowledged her via his Twitter account. He shared a news report video featuring her and expressed gratitude for her vote.

Andrews died in North Richland Hills, Texas, on 16 March 2022 at the age of 111 years, 139 days.

RECOGNITION

At the time of her death, Andrews was the second-oldest known resident of Texas, behind Elizabeth Francis, as well as the oldest known person born in the state.