Roll Call Tribute

Claire Brothers Funeral Home obituary
7901 Hillcroft St
Houston, Texas 77081
Phone:
(713) 271-7250
Fax:
(713) 271-7251
Email:
info@clairebrothers.com

Andrea Kaye Bookout (1980 - 2019)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2. fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 Andrea Kaye Bookout's long struggle to persevere and run the perfect race ended February 6, 2019, at the age of 38. She was met by her Savior and all of His glory at one last finish line. With the heart of a warrior, she kept up her fight and looked to the cross until the very end. Andrea was born May 26, 1980 in Norman, Oklahoma. Andrea's family moved to Shenandoah, Texas in October of 1980. She started her schooling at Lamar Elementary and Collins Intermediate School in The Woodlands. It was during her childhood she developed a passion for running. At the age of 5, she attended Dan Green's summer track program and never looked back. From that grew a lifelong commitment to a sport that would shape and mold her into a fiercely exceptional competitor. She attended York Junior High where she broke records in track and played volleyball and basketball with a group of girls that would be a forever constant in her life. Andrea went on to attend The Woodlands High School where she was a member of the school's choir, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and inducted into the National Honor Society. She was also a dedicated member of the school's Track and Cross Country teams. Her running career blossomed. Her spirit and commitment were infectious. She was a motivating force to any that would listen. She was nominated for the Wendy's High School Heisman Award. She was a two time high school All American, awarded in 1995 and 1997. In 1998, her senior year, she achieved her ultimate goal of becoming the Class 5A State Champion in the 800 meters. With a successful high school track career under her belt, she set her sights to the next level. She signed with Northern Arizona University on high school national signing day. After attending NAU for a year, she decided she needed to get back closer to her roots. She came home to Texas and, despite the misgivings of her Longhorn sister, attended Texas A&M University. She was a member of the Fighting Texas Aggies Track &Cross Country Team. As a sophomore she emerged as the team's top female runner. In 2000, at the pinnacle of her career, she qualified and competed at the NCAA finals in Iowa, earning a spot as a Cross Country All American. Andrea graduated from Texas A&M in 2002 with a bachelors in Health Sciences. Her love of running would call her back into the field. She would go on to get her certification in special education in order to teach and coach. She dreamed of inspiring the next generations of runners. In 2005, she became the head coach for the girls cross country team at College Park High School in The Woodlands, Texas. She taught and coached from 2005-2010. During her coaching career she led the girls to District titles, Regional titles, and a 2nd place State appearance. Park City, Utah was her favorite place to run. She took her girls there on a training trip. As a coach, she was known to give her girls hand written notes before meets. She was, as an athlete, the finest example. But more so, she wanted to be a witness and change people's lives for the better. She was much greater than all of these accomplishments. Her faith lead her through and to it all. She knew nothing was accomplished without her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She grew in faith and joy as a member of The Woodlands United Methodist Church. Nurtured by what was then the new leadership of Bob Swan and all of her many friends in youth group, she blossomed into an amazing witness. Throughout junior high and high school, if she was not running or with her running friends, she was at church or with her group of girls from church. They attended many mission trips and UM Armies together (toilet papered quite a few houses as well). She loved getting her hands dirty to be the hands and feet of Christ. She was a member of countless small groups and Bible studies. While working on her certification for teaching, she was a church intern for the youth group. She loved this time in her life and loved working with the church's youth. In 2009, a battle like none she had faced began. Anorexia and Bulimia attacked and tormented her for nearly ten years. Throughout it there were many dark times, for both her and her family. Her faith endured, and for the last three years she threw herself into the church and volunteered for many different activities. She was a constant face as a greeter on Sunday mornings. She was a valued member of many Bible study groups. She shared her struggles and her faith with all who would hear. A constant listener and supporter of others, she always knew the right thing to say. She had seen darkness and she battled through a lot. She offered hope and assurance for those struggling. Although she attended and loved her time at Texas A&M, she was always and forever a Sooner fan in her heart. She watched countless games with her dad and talked to her grandpa about the ins and outs of it all. She baked for her small groups and loved to visit libraries and go shopping with friends and neighbors. She gardened and made flower arrangements for her mom. They loved being outside together with Darby, their dog. In the end, she will be remembered for her faith and her love. The crafts and handmade cards she shared with many. Her outgoing spirit and willingness to help will shine in the minds of those who knew and loved her. She is survived by her parents, David and Cathy Bookout; her sister, Cindy Bookout; her granddad, Edward A. Bookout, aunts, uncles and cousins. There will be a memorial service at The Woodlands Methodist Church, 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 on Wednesday, February 13, 2019, at 3:00 pm in the Harvest Sanctuary. If so inspired, the family requests that donations be made to: Golden Retriever Rescue of Houston ~ www.nationaleatingdisorders.org, The Woodlands United Methodist Student Ministries. Arrangements have been entrusted to Claire Brothers Funeral Home, 7901 Hillcroft Street, Houston, Texas 77081.

Published online on February 11, 2019 courtesy of Claire Brothers Funeral Home .