Andee Lucas' Obituary
Andrea “Andee” Marie Lucas, 80, passed away peacefully at her home in Longview, Texas, on April 29, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on January 17, 1945, in New York City to Phyllis and Ralph Napolitano, Andee moved with her family to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in the 1950s. There, she cultivated a lifelong love for the beach and fondly remembered appearing in the background of the 1960 teen film Where the Boys Are.
Andee graduated from Fort Lauderdale High School in 1963 and later married her high school sweetheart, John Wrather. In 1965, they relocated to Longview, Texas, and started a family. In 1979, Andee began a successful career in real estate with Fugitt Realty of Longview. She became one of the original “Lenhart Ladies” when she joined Lenhart Properties, Inc. (now Coldwell Banker Lenhart Properties, Inc.) in 1985, where she was a consistent Top Producer throughout her long and respected tenure. Andee was admired not only for her professional accomplishments but also for the grace and generosity she brought to every aspect of her life. She was beloved by her clients, peers, and friends, and served as a mentor and role model to many.
Active in her community, Andee was a member of the Junior League of Longview and the Green Thumb Garden Club. After retiring from real estate, she continued to embrace life fully. She enjoyed traveling—especially to Italy, her mother’s homeland—and cherished time spent playing Mah Jongg and other games with dear friends, as well as staying active with her walking and Pilates groups. She also enjoyed Bible study with her husband Richard at First Christian Church while remaining devoted to Trinity Episcopal.
Andee was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Joe Napolitano; her husband, Dr. Richard Lucas; and her former husband, Robert W. “Rusty” Norton, as well as his grandson, Jack Lucas.
She is survived by her children, David Wrather and his wife, Janet, of Houston, and Cissy Wrather of Dallas; and by her grandchildren, John Wrather, Hunter Wrather, and Abigail Wrather. She is also survived by her stepchildren: Tosch Lucas, Todd Lucas, Susan Stroud and her husband, John, Anne Lucas, and Meredith Norton Lucas and her husband, Johnny—as well as their children and grandchildren. Other survivors include her sister-in-law, Elizabeth Napolitano; nephew, Dr. Michael Napolitano; niece, Grace Jones and her husband, Erinn; and grandniece, Aliyah Jones, all of Los Angeles, California.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 10, at 2 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church in Longview, Texas, with the Rev. Dr. Bill Carroll officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview. Committal will take place with the scattering of her ashes in the All Saints’ Garden at the church.
The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the compassionate and skilled caregivers of Hospice of East Texas.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Andee’s memory may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 906 Padon Street, Longview, Texas 75601, or to Hospice of East Texas.
What’s your fondest memory of Andee?
What’s a lesson you learned from Andee?
Share a story where Andee's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Andee you’ll never forget.
How did Andee make you smile?