Andrea Chiles

Andrea Jeanne Wright “Andy” Chiles, passed away peacefully May 3, 2026, in Cameron, Texas at the age of 79. She was born July 30, 1946 to Doris Jeanne Lynch and King Bertrand Wright in Henderson, Texas.  She was a long time resident of Overton Texas before moving in 2020 to Rockdale Texas to be near her girls and their families.  She was an early graduate of Overton High School.  She married the love of her life, Richard Anthony “Tony” Chiles on May 18, 1963.

Andy became a teacher after graduating from East Texas A&M University - Commerce.   During her 30 years in Education, she taught Kindergarten at Arp ISD and Overton ISD then went on to teach Art at Huntsville ISD. Upon moving back to Overton, she taught Pre-K.  After retirement, she substituted at OISD until she couldn’t anymore due to health reasons.   “Mrs. Chiles” loved to work with children and called every student she ever taught “her kids”. She loved attending OISD events and enjoyed travelling to Austin for State baseball and One-Act Play competitions to name a few.   She loved the events she helped host at the Overton Garden Club, especially Christmas at the Club and Tea Parties with the 4th grade girls.  She enjoyed presenting Scholarships on behalf of the Garden Club.   She enjoyed her bridge groups, her Mah’Jong groups and she loved going to Disney with her family.  She loved to draw, craft and paint and was known for her sugar cube houses in Kindergarten, her artwork  throughout Overton Elementary school, her hand painted Christmas Santa Ornaments and hand painted t-shirts.

Andy was active in the Retired Teachers’ Association, Overton Garden Club, Overton Ex Student Association, the Overton Cemetery Association and The Methodist Church of Overton where she loved playing the bells in the bell choir with her friends. 

Andy is preceded in death by her husband, Tony Chiles, her mother, Doris Stricklin, her father, King Wright, her mother in law, Juanita Savage, her father in law, Lieutenant Richard “Chic” Chiles, step father in law, Graham Savage, her step mother Margaret Labosky, Grandparents and several Aunts, Uncles and cousins.

Andy is survived by her two daughters, Christy Betchan and husband Glenn Betchan of Rockdale, Theresa Burgess and husband Stanley Burgess of Rockdale; brother, King “Rocky” Wright of the Dallas area, her father-law Walter Stricklin of Farmers Branch, sister in law, Pam Cardwell and husband Lane Cardwell of Richardson; five grandchildren: Amber Brooks and husband JC Brooks, Meagan Brantley and husband Cyler Brantley; Huston Burgess and wife Brittany Burgess, Heather Betchan and Chance Betchan; Eight great grandchildren: Hunter, Cutter and Ryker Brantley, Hadley and Harper Brooks, Asa Woolwine, Hayes and Emory Burgess; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Pallbearers are Chance Betchan, Cyler Brantley, Hunter Brantley, JC Brooks, Huston Burgess, Joe Lynch, Bryan Merritt and Chris Merritt. Honorary pallbearers are Brandon Mitchell, Sammy Mitchell and Ken Merritt.

Memorial contributions can be made to the First Methodist Church in Overton.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cottle-Pearson Funeral Home, Overton.

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