Andrea Harding was born and raised in 5th Ward and Kashmere Garden area of Houston, Texas, by her Great Aunt Mrs. Earline Scott. As an only child, Andrea learned discipline, independence and trust in God. She graduated from Kashmere Senior High school with Highest Honors in 1971. She was a member of the Honor Society, and Captain as a ROTC sponsor, and was voted Most Athletic Female in the senior class.
Growing up in 5th Ward Andrea watched major tennis tournaments on television and developed an affinity for the game. She chose tennis because there were no other Black women in the game. Secretly, Andrea aspired to become a professional tennis player, but never pursued the game at the college level. At Kashmere, she was Co-Captain of the Tennis team in her 10th grade year and Captain in both her junior and senior years. In each of her three (3) years she placed 2nd in district 17-4A. Andrea attributes her three (3) year varsity letters to a wise, patient and supportive coach, Mrs. Ozell Harris.
After graduating from Kashmere Senior High school Andrea attended Mary Hardin-Baylor College (now the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor) in Belton, Texas, on a full scholarship. She graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1975. During her years at MHB, Andrea was a member of the Business Club, was voted Vice-President of Student Government and Stribling Dorm Chairman.
When Andrea graduated college, she worked for Exxon Chemical Company, U.S.A. in the Accounting Department. She was promoted to Accountant after one year, having worked for Exxon every summer during college. Andrea left Exxon to learn computer programming at National Cash Register (NCR) and later became a Systems Analyst with Tenneco Inc. She retired from the Harris County Appraisal District (after 22+ years) in 2006.
Andrea joined the Windsor Village United Methodist church in 1986 and was voted Secretary of the Usher Ministry for several years.