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Andrea Lynn Burton, born on December 26, 1976, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, was called home to be with the Lord on September 27, 2026. A devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, and respected Fort Wayne Fire Department Captain, Andrea lived a life defined by courage, compassion, service, and unwavering faith. Her beautiful spirit reflected God’s love in every action, interaction, and moment of her life. Andrea graduated from South Side High School in 1995 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Purdue University Fort Wayne, an accomplishment that reflected her dedication to learning, growth, and excellence. Following in her father’s footsteps, Andrea joined the Fort Wayne Fire Department 25 years ago. With a servant’s heart and quiet strength, she embraced her calling to protect, educate, and uplift her community. Over the course of her distinguished career, she rose to the rank of Captain in the Fire Prevention Department, becoming a trusted leader, steady presence, and mentor whose influence shaped countless firefighters across the city. Andrea was deeply involved in fire and life safety education through her work at Safety Village, where she taught children, adults, and seniors essential lessons about fire safety, making safe choices, and protecting themselves and others. Her patience, kindness, and ability to connect with learners of all ages left a lasting impression on students, families, and educators. Her lessons will continue to live in the hearts and minds of those she taught. Her dedication to community extended far beyond her professional duties. Andrea served on the boards of the Indiana Black Expo Fort Wayne Chapter and the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne, contributing her insight, leadership, and passion for strengthening families, youth, and community engagement. Her service in these roles reflected her deep commitment to empowering others and creating lasting, positive change. Beyond her professional and community service, Andrea loved the game of basketball, a passion she carried from childhood into adulthood. And when her focus wasn’t on basketball, she found joy on the golf course—especially when she was beating Reggie in 18 holes. Their friendly competition brought laughter, memories, and moments they cherished together. Faith was the foundation of Andrea’s life. She and her husband, Reggie, were married for 25 years and served together as Marriage Fellowship Leaders at New Covenant Worship Center, pouring into couples with wisdom, compassion, and a deep commitment to strengthening families. Their partnership is a reflection of God’s love—steady, supportive, and rooted in purpose. Andrea was a devoted mother who cherished her children, Jasmin (21) and Bryson (17). Her love for them was evident in every celebration, every milestone, and every quiet act of encouragement. She was also a beloved sister to Tamala Guyton (Delenore), Rochelle McGee, Karlton Johnson (Christine), Jenel Manning, Tashonda Paige, and Charmaine Paige. Her joyful spirit, quick smile, and gentle encouragement will forever dwell within all who were blessed to know her. She is survived by her father, Darrell Manning (Angela), her mother, Tanya Johnson, her husband, Reggie, her children, Jasmin and Bryson, her siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, a host of friends, fellow firefighters, and community members who will continue to carry her light forward. Andrea was preceded in death by her grandparents, Willie and Etta Manning and Walter and Martha Ann Sanders, her mother-in-law, Shirley “Burt” Burton, her father-in-law, Willie “Blue” Roberts, her sister-in-law, Charita Burton, and her brother-in-law, Clarence Martin. A celebration of Andrea’s life will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at New Covenant Worship Center, 3420 E. Paulding Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46816. Visitation will take place on Friday, October 9, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and again on Saturday, October 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., prior to the service. The Fort Wayne Fire Department will provide a ceremonial tribute in recognition of her dedication, leadership, and 25 years of service. Captain Andrea Burton’s work here is done. She rests now in God’s loving arms, and her memory will continue to shine in the hearts of everyone she touched. Her love, her kindness, and her beautiful spirit will remain with us always.
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