Andrea Marquetta Arnold

Andrea, known to many as Itty Bitty, was born on June 2, 1993 in Rockville, Maryland to Patrice Arnold and Ronald Lucas, Jr. Although her life may have seemed short to others, Andrea touched so many hearts in her seventeen years of life. A lover of science, dance and family, Andrea began modeling at age 3, received a Black Belt in Martial Arts, and was selected to be a company dancer at Frans Dance Studio. Dedicated to her craft, no matter what it may have been, Andrea excelled in whatever she set her mind to even overcoming her fear of water and learning to swim at the Capitol Hill Natatorium. She was a go-getter and a trend setter, taking her love of her favorite color purple and cosmetology to new heights. She joined Saint Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church at the age of 13, where she received her Sacraments of Baptism, Penance, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation. An outstanding student, Andrea maintained a 3.0 GPA throughout most of her school career, achieving a 4.125 GPA during her sophomore year. She was a member of the Chess Club and the W.E.B. du Bois Honor Society. Sadly, Andrea was one day away from completing her junior year at Crossland High School in Temple Hills, Maryland.

The family of Andrea Marquetta Arnold wishes to thank each and everyone of you for your expressions of love, acts of kindness, concern, sympathy and support during our time of bereavement. We will always cherish your thoughts and prayers. May God continue to bless all of you.

One morning I found you in eternal sleep; I tried to wake you as I began to weep, But all my pleas you could not hear; Oh if I could have only kept you near, I find it so very hard to believe That you have gone and I must grieve; I call out your name -- you answer not, And I look for you in every familiar spot.

As many of us know, Andrea struggled with a life-long illness. In 2006, she began dialysis. Despite her challenges, she didnt focus on her pain or herself nor did she complain about her circumstances. Andrea was wise beyond her years. She always had a positive outlook on life, and did not hesitate to put us grown folks in check when we got out of line. She was bubbly, cheerful, and upbeat and, like a moth to a flame, she attracted a host of loving friends to her side. A natural practical joker, Andrea would brighten anyones day with her natural sense of humor, polite sarcasm, and uncanny wit. Andrea was gifted in so many ways, but most of all, she, herself, was a gift, a joy, and a blessing to all she touched. Andrea is survived by her loving mother, Patrice Arnold; father Ronald Lucas, Jr.; her oldest brother Andre Arnold; siblings Kerry Ann Lucas, Naomi Lucas, Brittany Johnson, and Ronald Long Lucas; Grandparents Jacqueline Arnold, Nathaniel Arnold, Eva Lucas, and Ronald Lucas, Sr.; cousins Mariah Lewis, DeLonte May, and Shawn Thomas, Jr.; her closest friends and sisters Kayla Christian (Pookie Bear), Donxavia McCormick, Mercedes Evans, Jayln Barrett, and Deja Watkins; special friend Marcus Wynter and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

I look at your smiling face in all my photos; Memories flood my mind as I touch the mementos From the happy times you and I have had, But now these bring tears and make me sad; I should be happy youre free of pain and sorrow, And rejoice that youll always have tomorrow. But I miss you so very much my sister dear, And your voice Ill always long to hear.

Opening Hymn/Song....Precious Lord Opening Prayer First Reading.Wisdom 3: 1-9 Responsorial Psalm..Psalm 23: 1-3, 3-4, 5, 6 Second Reading..Romans 6: 3-9 Gospel..John 11: 17-27 Homily General Intercessions Commendation Recessional Hymn/Song..Amazing Grace

God made the world with its towering trees Majestic mountains and restless seas; Then paused and said, It needs one more thing Someone to laugh and dance and sing; To walk in the woods and gather flowers; To commune with nature in quiet hours. So God made little girls With laughing eyes and bouncing curls; With joyful hearts and infectious smiles; Enchanting ways and feminine wiles; And when Hed completed the task Hed begun, He was pleased and proud of the job Hed done; For the world, when seen through a little girls eyes, Greatly resembles Paradise.

Pall Bearers Family and Friends

Honorary Flower Bearers Family and Friends Arrangements by B.K. Henry Funeral Chapel, Inc. 420 H Street, N.E. Washington, DC 20002 (202) 544-9655

Author Unknown The family will be receiving friends and visitors immediately following the service in the St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic School Auditorium. All are welcomed to share reflections and expressions during this time.