1. Andre Blakney was born on August 22, 1967, in Saginaw Michigan to the late Charles and Linda Blakney.

A man of strong faith and unwavering devotion, Andre lived a life centered on God, family, and service. He was a faithful member of Mt. Zion of Oakwood Village, where he served joyfully as an usher, greeting all with a warm smile and kind words. His love for the Lord was evident in both his actions and the way he treated others.

His love for God guided every step of his life, that devotion extended to his family who he cherished above all else. As a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, he gave selflessly, always putting the needs of others before his own.

Andre proudly served his country in the United State Marine Corp, during the Gulf War carrying with him the values of honor, dedication, and sacrifice throughout his life. After his service, he pursued higher education at Malone University where he earned his Bachelor of Art. Education was a source of pride for him, and he encouraged those around him to value learning and hard work as he did.

He also devoted many years to his career at Avery Dennison, where he worked with integrity, professionalism, and a true spirit of teamwork. He cherished the friendships he built with his coworkers, clients and customers who became like family to him, and he was respected for his hard work, reliability and kindness in the workplace.

Outside of his service and profession, Andre was deeply committed to his community, always willing to lend a helping hand. He found great joy in golf and was his place of peace, where he enjoyed both challenge of the game and the friendships it fostered. Andre also had a great passion for sports which was constant throughout his life. Whether cheering from the stands, watching faithfully from home, or debating the lates plays with family and friends, he found joy in every game. He especially loved The Cleveland Brown, Cavs, Guardian and Ohio State Buckeyes, and his enthusiasm was infectious-he never missed an opportunity to share that excitement with others. Whether on the green, at church, watching sports, serving the community or with his family, his presence brough light and encouragement to all who knew him.

Andre will be remembered for his warm heart, steady faith, and the countless ways he touched the lives of those who knew him. His legacy of love, strength, and service will continue to live on thought his family and all who were blessed to know him.

He is survived by family members- loving wife Winifred , four children LaQuita, Charyaan, Lawrence, and Bianca, eleven grandchildren Gabriel, Lazarhia, Elijah, Lawrence Jr. Dolce, Winter, Sire, London, Ariah and Carter, sister Sabrina and brothers Richard, father-in-law Jerry Mayes, sisters in-laws and brother in-laws, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great

nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, a host of friends and colleagues, who will continue to cherish his love, wisdom, and guidance.