Andree Y. Gandy

Andrée Yelder Gandy peacefully transitioned at home on April 26, 2021. Andrée was born in Selma, AL on April 27, 1943 to the late Andrew Yelder and Serena Strother. She was raised in Williamson, WV and graduated from West Virginia State University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science in zoology.

Andrée initially relocated to Washington, DC to pursue a career in medicine but felt the call to action to help provide underserved communities with economic opportunities. For over 47 years, Andrée served as Executive Director of Peoples Involvement Corporation (PIC), bringing economic development, social services, as well as real estate and job opportunities to the LeDroit Park, Shaw, and U Street Corridor neighborhoods. Under her outstanding leadership as Executive Director, PIC served tens of thousands of community members. Its annual operating budget grew from less than $100,000 to over $5 million, and its assets increased from zero to $43 million.

Andrée's stellar career included serving on the Board of Directors of the D.C. Chamber of Commerce, George Washington University Cancer Center, D.C. Coalition of Economic Development, Leadership Network, Washington Council of Agencies, and Barney Neighborhood House. She was the recipient of numerous awards including: the Mayoral Economic Development Award (1985), the Community Service Award from the District's Minority Business and Professional Directory (1985), and the Distinguished Black Woman Award presented by the Black Women in Sisterhood for Action (2001). Andrée was a strong woman with even stronger faith and a member of Reid Temple A.M.E. Church.

She is the eternally devoted and loving mother to Brynée West (Chuck), Nia White (Darren), and Dr. Kai Parker (Jason); grandmother of Tyler, Colby, Micah, and Kasey Baylor; Drew and Dylan White; and Charlie and Judah Parker; step-grandmother to Corey and Dylan West; aunt, cousin, friend, teacher, mentor, and angel to many whose lives she has forever touched.