D’Andre James Carpenter was born on March 20, 1995, in Richmond, Virginia, to the late Kenyatta Rashida Tipton and Linwood James Carpenter. He spent his early years living in Richmond with his mother and grandmother, the late Andrea “Deka” Cross. He was the apple of their eyes. After the passing of his mother, D’Andre moved to South Boston, which he called home. He was raised by his grandmother Deka and his great-grandmother Juanita Cross, who he affectionately called “Nene,” as well as the larger South Boston community. He was educated primarily in the Halifax County School System and graduated from Halifax County High School. He also lived with his father in Oxon Hill, Maryland during a portion of high school where he gained so much of his confidence.

After high school, D’Andre worked for Walmart in South Boston and Washington, D.C. He later returned to school in South Boston and became a nursing assistant, which was timely because he lived with and became a caregiver to his great-grandmother. At the time of his passing, D’Andre was enrolled in classes to become a nurse.

He enjoyed spending holidays with his cousins, with whom he shared a special bond, including the late Amber Coleman. D’Andre deeply loved his friends and family in the Washington D.C. area. D’Andre spent some time living in Washington, D.C., but always felt drawn to life in southern Virginia. He was most at peace while fishing and hunting with friends in Virginia’s beautiful lakes and wilderness. D’Andre was affectionate and easy to love. He experienced many hardships but did not allow difficult experiences to diminish his excitement for life. While away from friends and family, D’Andre remained in regular communication with his loved ones. He made many lifelong friends, including Rico Figueroa whom he met while working in Washington DC. D’Andre also cherished his friendship with Dylan Plautz whom he met in middle school in South Boston and became the proud godfather to Dylan’s sons Dylan and Jayce.

D’Andre will be remembered for his kind soul and unending love for his family and friends. He brought much joy to his loved ones. Although D’Andre’s time on earth was short, the positive impact he had on the lives of everyone he touched will never be forgotten. His spirit will live on with us forever.

D’Andre is survived and will be forever cherished by his great-grandmother Juanita Cross, father Linwood Carpenter, stepmother Deborah Carpenter, siblings Deja Hamilton and Little Linwood Carpenter, devoted cousins Tracey Coleman Morant, Kwame "Shang" Coleman (Lillian), Kenneth and Lawrence Coleman, and many other family and friends.

Memorial service for D'Andre James Carpenter will be Saturday, January 21st at noon at Jeffress Funeral Home.

Funeral arrangements are by Jeffress Funeral Home, 2000 North Main Street, South Boston, VA.