Rev Andrew Jackson Douglas

Andrew Jackson Douglas our Minister, our family, our comrade, and our trusted friend and confidant departed his earthly home in New Orleans, Louisiana on May 4, 2021. He was born to the union of the late William H. Douglas and Ethel M. Douglas on December 18, 1927 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Rev Douglas attended Orleans Parish Public Schools during his early years and graduated from the famous Gilbert Academy High School in 1947. With the wind at his back and a determined mind, he pursued his higher education ambition at the Agricultural and Technical College in North Carolina. With his path in life directed by a higher power, college plans were interrupted by a call to serve his country in the United States Army. He served in the 450th Automatic Weapons Battalion in Alaska for seventeen months in sub-zero temperatures and other bases around the world. After his Military stay, Rev. Douglas returned home to New Orleans and enrolled in Dillard University and obtained his B.A. degree in 1955. With that higher-powered wind still at his back he went on to Loyola University and completed his Master’s degree in Education. Rev. Douglas, with his ever-present drive to his true calling enrolled in the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and from there, the Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University at Dallas, Texas and received his Doctor of Humane Letters from the Union Baptist Theological Seminary. Rev. Douglas’ teaching career spanned 30 years at Carter G. Woodson Junior High School, Joseph S. Clark High School and McDonogh 35 High School. He served as head basketball coach at Joseph S. Clark and McDonogh 35 high schools. In addition to his teaching career in New Orleans, Rev. Douglas served on the Audubon Commission, the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) where he served as chairperson and was instrumental in securing twenty-two million dollars for the modernization of housing developments and scatter-site housing units. He assisted Reverend Avery Alexander in all his programs and activities in the New Orleans area. His involvement included assisting the elderly and voter registration efforts. Rev. Douglas founded Camp Big Horn for inner-city boys in New Orleans that operated as a mentoring program and offered group activities. Following his teaching career, the forever present pre-determined wind at his back led the Rev. Dr. Andrew J. Douglas to his Ministerial calling with the United Methodist church under the Louisiana annual conference. His appointments have been with several churches of the UMC to include, Ninde Chapel, Shaw Temple, La Harpe, Thompson, Asbury, and St. Matthew United Methodist Churches. His longest appointment was with the Asbury-St. Matthew Charge that spanned the 1988-2011 timeframe. In addition to serving as a pastor within the United Methodist Church, he also served at the Annual and Local District levels as Conference Secretary, served on the Board of Ordained Ministry and Chairman of the Board for the Lafon Nursing Home of the United Methodist Church to name a few. During his leadership of the Asbury-St. Matthew Charge he led Asbury’s building of a new Sanctuary and the building of a Family Life Center at St. Matthew. Many programs for members, especially the youth, were implemented under his leadership. Around the City of New Orleans, Rev. Douglas was a member of The Original Illinois Club Inc., The Studs Club Inc., and a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, New Orleans Chapter. His Kappa Alpha Psi affiliation spanned more than sixty years. Rev. Douglas never forgot his Gilbert Academy legacy and he looked forward to the opportunities he and his classmates were afforded to gather and celebrate. The Rev. Dr. Andrew J. Douglas leaves to cherish his memories his wife Mrs. Alice Ray Douglas; two sons Keith “Cartoonman” Douglas (Terri), and William “Billy” Douglas, Sr. (Veronica) and daughter Andrae Douglas. Rev. Douglas was blessed with grandchildren Vannick Douglas, William Douglas (Maria), Johneisha Victor (Nicodemus), Ginger Douglas, Christopher Johnson, Renee’ Ford, Mario Powell, and Milo Powell (Brittany) Kingslee Vinson. His great grandchildren were an absolute blessing Isabella Douglas, Aubrielle Victor, Liliana Victor, Kaliyah Allen, Landon Anderson, Amiah Powell, Khole Powell, Myla Powell, and the latest addition to the family Andrew Jackson Douglas. He is preceded in death by his parents William and Ethel Douglas, brothers William H. Douglas Jr. and Gerard Douglas and his sister Yvonne Elwood. His celebration of life service will be held at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 2722 Louisiana Ave., New Orleans, LA 70115 on Saturday, May 15, 2021. Visitation will be held from 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Funeral Service will begin at 10:00 a.m. Interment: Private. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave... Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook. As mandated by the State of Louisiana due to the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance is limited. Everyone is required to adhere to all restrictions. You must wear a face mask at all times and practice social distancing.