Andre Hebert

Andre Hebert was born to the union of Billy Hebert and Annie Laurie Hebert on June 30, 1966 in Chicago, IL. at Illinois Research Hospital (now UI Health), and was baptized at Woodlawn AME Church Chicago, IL. Andre accepted Christ and was confirmed in 1979 as a member of First United Methodist Church of Harvey, IL.

In his youth, Andre enjoyed listening to music, singing, swimming, dancing, playing baseball, and spending time with friends. An adventuresome teenager, Andre was an accomplished gymnast, roller skater, breakdancer, and all-around sportsman. A naturally-gifted, yet trained talent, he taught at the American Dance Center in Homewood, IL, and the Glenwood Roller Rink in Glenwood, IL. And when he wasn’t busy tumbling or stepping, Andre worked as a lifeguard for several park districts. Andre could be seen backflipping down a busy street or breakdancing in a shopping mall whenever the spirit moved him. As a high school freshman, he attended Bloom Trail High School in Chicago Heights, IL before transferring to Homewood-Flossmoor High School, graduating in 1984. Andre loved driving fast things and could be seen zipping around in his favorite motorcycle or sports car as soon as he got his driver’s license.

After graduating from high school, Andre enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served between January 14, 1985 to January 18, 1989, and January 20, 1989 to July 12, 1991. Prior to being honorably discharged, he was recognized for his service during the Gulf War Era with awards, training, and distinction in the following: Rifle Sharp Shooter Badge, Pistol Sharpshooter Badge, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and Good Conduct Medal.

In civilian life, Andre worked in security for several firms and eventually began a career in trucking. He received an Associate of Applied Science degree in Automation Technology from Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, IL. On January 17, 1994, Andre wed Catherine Sagles. To this union, Andre William Sagles Hysmith Hebert was born on April 29, 1997.

In 2003, Andre was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and Transverse Myelitis. For more than twenty years, his medical challenges might have slowed him down, but they did not stop him from living. Despite his setbacks, Andre found joy in watching the National Little League, collecting coins, reading, and exploring new musical artists.

On November 1, 2025, Sergeant Andre Hebert peacefully returned to God’s embrace after a long, hard-fought battle. Andre is survived by son, Dr. Andre “AJ” Hebert; mother, Dr. Ann L. Jones; father, Billy Hebert; siblings: Karen Hebert, Dr. Bill Hebert, Janine Smith, Esq. (Damon), Michelle Jones; Godsister, Christine Lee; nephews: Carlos Hebert, Christopher Smith, Nicholas Smith; nieces, Savanna Tucker and Piper Smith; f irst cousins: Reverend Dr. Marietta Hebert Davis, Ronald Gore, Jr., Peter Gore, Robert Hebert, Jr., Esq. (Michelle), Kimberly David Franklin (Michelle), Katherine____ (Kumai) , Wayne Martin, Dr. Cassandra Ellis, Major Erika Arbertha; Specialist George Ellis, Rhonda____ ( ), Robbie Common ( ), Cherise Hysmith; uncle: Master Sergeant Roscoe Hinton, and a host of other cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by grandparents: Hudy and Othur Hysmith (Maternal) and Jesse and Catherine Hebert (paternal); aunts: Henrietta Tempe Gore, Lowena Short, Delores Hysmith- Moore, Carmelita Ellis, Antoinette Hysmith-Sanders; uncles: Reverend Hudy Hysmith, Jr., Ret. Marine, Master Sergeant George Ellis, Ronald Hebert, Leonard, Joseph Hebert; first cousins: Reginald Franklin, Jr., Roland “Butch” Charles, Jr., Melvin “Terry” Martin, Jr., Hudy Hysmith III, and Leon Hysmith.

When Andre was at his best, he was the life of the party and adored his family and friends. He loved hard and was always a bit of a daredevil who loved living life on the edge. He had a penchant for diverse languages and simple living, and he could finish a James Patterson novel in a heartbeat. He will be missed by those who knew him best.