Yanilka “Nicky” Andrews Obituary: It is with deep sorrow and gratitude that we honor the life of Yanilka “Nicky” Andrews, a dedicated educator, visionary leader, loving wife, and devoted mother who passed away in 2025. Nicky’s profound impact on students, colleagues, and the Greenville community reflects a lifetime of compassion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to education.
A Life Devoted to Education and Leadership
Born in 1974, Nicky’s passion for teaching and mentorship guided her career from the start. As principal of Greenville Middle Academy, she was a beloved figure who led with both firmness and kindness, fostering an inclusive and vibrant school culture. Nicky’s leadership was marked by her belief in every student’s potential and her dedication to empowering educators.
Her career expanded beyond Greenville when she became Coordinator of Training and Teacher Quality for Spartanburg District Five. In this role, Nicky championed educator development and innovative practices, building resilient, thriving school communities centered on student well-being and success.
A Mentor and Inspiration
Nicky was more than a leader—she was a mentor and friend to many. Her empathy, wisdom, and work ethic inspired colleagues and nurtured future leaders. Her influence lives on through the countless educators she supported and the schools she helped transform.
Faith, Family, and Community
A devoted member of North Hills Church in Taylors, SC, Nicky’s faith was a cornerstone of her life and service. She poured love and care into her family—her husband, Mark Andrews, and their son, Jack—creating a home filled with warmth and joy.
Celebration of Life
A celebration of Nicky’s life will be held on May 28th at 1:30 PM at North Hills Church, 4952 Edwards Road, Taylors, SC 29687. The family kindly requests donations in her memory be made to North Hills Church or educational charities, continuing her mission to uplift students and educators.
Though Nicky has passed, her spirit endures in the classrooms she enriched, the educators she mentored, and the lives she touched with her boundless compassion and integrity. Her legacy is a testament to the power of one dedicated soul to change the world.