MHN LIFESTYLE NEWS: Former Texas Southern University basketball standout Andrea Smith Young assumes Community Marketing Partner with Allen Dave Funeral Homes and Crematorium
Andre Johnson 
“A change is brought about because ordinary people do extraordinary things.” — Barack Obama, 44th President, United States of America
MAKING IMMEASURABLE STRIDES
Andrea Smith Young was born and raised in Newellton, Louisiana, a rural Tensas Parish establishment that is comprised of roughly 886 residents, according to the latest U.S. census.
To her credit, reaping sustained success, by her standards, is centered in large part on thinking outside the box.
“From a very young age, growing up in a small rural town in Louisiana, I have always been fueled by having a connection with people and a deep competitive drive — not just in the sense of needing to win — but in striving constantly to improve, exceed expectations, and create meaningful impact with compassion and care,” Young told Making Headline News this week.
Interestingly enough, Young’s immeasurable competitive drive, coupled with her resilient work ethic, has been nothing short of remarkable since she was recently named a Community Marketing Partner for Allen Dave Funeral Homes and Crematorium.
MORE ON ADFH: https://www.allendave.com/
Having joined one of the Southwest Regions finest death care companies of its kind, Young’s chief responsibilities will include oversight of Allen Dave Funeral Homes’ Final Expense Life Insurance Division.
“I ensure our funeral home’s brand is presented with integrity and empathy in a way that resonates with the communities we serve,” Young said.
By all accounts, Young is no stranger to Allen Dave Funeral Homes and Crematorium, having worked alongside fellow colleagues Fran Fleming, Executive Director of the Life Insurance Division, and Yolanda O’Neal, Managing Partner of our Life Insurance Division, during which she helped lead the company’s Final Expense Division since June 2024, representing Senior Life’s Final Expense product.
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In her a new role, Young emphasized, among other things, her strategic mission is centered in large part on bridging the gap between “our services and the communities we serve in a way that fosters trust and establishes long-term relationships through meaningful community connections and outreach strategies that reflect the dignity and respect in which we serve families.”
“Funeral homes operate in a sensitive space that requires empathy and integrity, so it is important to connect with families in the community, both inside and outside of the funeral home to create an environment where end-of-life planning is more approachable and accepted,” Young explained.
To her credit, Young undoubtedly possesses the necessary credentials, which will enable her to flourish mightily in her new role.
A graduate of Newellton High School, where she starred on the varsity basketball team, Young subsequently enrolled at Utica Junior College, where she earned an Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems after enjoying a memorable JUCO hoops stint that landed her in UJC’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.
Consequently, Young continued her collegiate athletic career when she took her talents to Texas Southern University, a Houston-area HBCU where she would ultimately acquire a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration (with a concentration in Management & Marketing), as well as an MBA (with a concentration in Finance).
As for her new role as Allen Dave Funeral Homes and Crematorium’s Community Marketing Partner, Young doesn’t take lightly the golden opportunity Dr. Allen Dave has afforded her.
“My family has always been a source of inspiration for me and has been my biggest cheerleaders throughout my long successful career, specifically my husband and son,” Young told MHN. “However, Dr. Allen Dave has played a key role in my decision to join the death care industry and become a member of his team. Having worked with Dr. Dave at The Houston Chronicle over 30 years ago, he continues to serve as one of my mentors as it relates to business and career decisions. I trust his guidance and vision to redefine what it means to honor life and support grieving families. While many followed the path set before them, Dr. Dave, as a first-generation funeral homeowner, has created his own way, which has resulted in him becoming a well-respected death care professional. I aspire to do the same.”
As Young recalls, when approached by Dr. Dave for her current position, she admittedly sensed such a life-altering milestone was more than just a new role, she acknowledged.
“I saw a meaningful mission, one that would truly fulfill me professionally,” Young said. “In a field where sensitivity, trust, and relationships are everything, I recognized how my drive to connect deeply with people could help me serve clients with integrity and empathy, develop authentic community relationships, and build a strong local presence rooted in trust.
“I plan to bring the same drive and initiative I have used in past roles to help families know they have a compassionate and reliable partner when they need one most.”
DEFINING MOMENTS
Continued Young, an avid New Orleans Saints fan whom, with her husband, shares one son, a daughter-in-law, and a four-year old grandson:
“Each day, I strive to be a positive light to others. Whether I am working with community partners, families or colleagues, I want to be a source of encouragement and reassurance. It is imperative that I create a positive environment where people feel seen and appreciated, and where I can build confidence, hope and motivation, not just in others, but in me as well.
“If I can be an inspiration for even one person each day, then I am making a difference, especially in moments of loss and remembrance. I take pride in uplifting others and showing genuine respect to people from all walks of life.”
All the while steadfastly thinking outside of the box in process.
A RELATED STORY
For more information about Houston, Texas Businesswoman Andrea Smith Young of Allen Dave Funeral Directors And Cremation Tribute Centers, call (713) 480-2966 or 713-634-2707, or log on to: http://www.allendave.com. Also, join the mailing list by writing to: Allen Dave Funeral Directors And Cremation Tribute Centers at 2103 Cypress Landing Drive, Houston, Texas 77090, or by sending email to: allendaveusa@yahoo.com.
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Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to makingheadlinenews@gmail.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist or Instagram at @makingheadlinenews.
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