Andre Cornelius Cowling

Andre C. Cowling entered into eternal rest on Thursday, February 6, 2025 after a brief illness at Hampton Virginia Medical Center. He was a native of Suffolk, Virginia and was one of eleven children, and was born of the union of the late James C. Cowling and Mozell Cowling. As a child Andre had a love for music. He confessed his faith in Jesus and became a member of the Diamond Grove Baptist Church Male Chorus and youth choir The Angelic Voices. Later in life, Andre returned to his family church of Tabernacle Baptist Outreach Center.

Andre graduated from John Yeates High School. After graduating, Andre went on to enlist in the United States Army. During his enlistment, he went on to pursue a higher education and enrolled and graduated from Norfolk State University. While attending Norfolk State, he went on to join the prestigious Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and remained an active member.

Andre showed an interest in teaching from a young age. After his time in the Army, he went on to start a career in education that would touch many lives, both as a teacher as well as a principal and advisor. As a former teacher at Harvard Elementary School, Principal of Collins Academy and Executive Director of New Leaders, Chicago, Illinois, as well as a Principal and advisor for Baltimore City Public Schools, he dedicated his life to uplifting others, shaping futures, and leaving a lasting impact on every life he touched.

His unwavering commitment to education, leadership, and community was truly inspiring. He was more than a leader-he was a son, a father, mentor, a brother, and a friend. His legacy will live on in the countless family members, students, educators, and colleagues whose lives he transformed.

Left to cherish his memory and to celebrate his life is his mother, Mozell Cowling of Suffolk, Virginia, his son, Terry Smith (Rachel), his sister, Goldie Cowling, his brother Curtis Holley (Debra), his sister Tonya Council, his brother James C. Cowling, Jr., Nine grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by brothers, Alfonza Holley, James H. Cowling, William Cowling, Sr. and sisters Celestine White, Mary Alice Cowling, and Evelyn Hill.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday February 28, 2025 at Tabernacle Baptist Outreach Center, 3621 Nansemond Parkway, Suffolk, VA, officiated by Dr. Trevon Boone, with a repast in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service. Interment will be in Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk, VA 23434 at a later date. The family will receive family and friends from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2024 at Crocker Funeral Home. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com.