WINTER 2023-2024 30 prayer partner, and model for the wives the two would marry when they grew older. In 1988, the Cook Family left Waco for Dallas. As the incoming president of Dallas Baptist University, Dr. Cook faced many challenges, and Mrs. Cook stood by his side, supporting him every step of the way. She became an active member of the DBU Women’s Auxiliary Board, serving as the chairperson of many committees and events. In recognition for this service and her work at DBU, the Women’s Auxiliary Board presented her with the Ruth Award in 1994. Upon arriving at DBU, Mrs. Cook began the DBU Hospitality Committee to welcome DBU newcomers. Over time, she became the consummate hostess, holding showers, receptions, and luncheons in the President’s Home that are too many to count, while making every person feel they are a part of the larger DBU Family. Later, she helped to develop and organize a special program called “Becoming Women of Excellence,” designed to encourage and mentor young women at DBU. In recognition for her service to the school, DBU named her an Honorary Alumna, named one of the Colonial Village Apartment Buildings in her honor, Sheila Cook Hall, and presented her with an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree. Beyond DBU, she served her community in a variety of ways. As an active member of Park Cities Baptist Church, she taught a weekly Ladies Bible Study, developing a set of life-long friends who became a second family. She also served as the co-leader of a Ladies Bible Study at Brother Bill’s Helping Hand, a ministry serving the needs in West Dallas, and was a member of the Brother Bill’s Helping Hand Women’s Council. She received great joy in being a very active member of the Esther Sunday School class. In addition, she served on the Advisory Board of the Baylor School of Nursing and on the Advisory Board for the ministry Asha Partners. In recent years, Sheila enjoyed serving as a grandmother to her three incredible grandchildren, Molly, Caleb, and Gracie, as well as spending time with her friends and family. “I have known of few others in my life who are more caring and loving than Sheila Cook,” explained Candice Wright, wife of DBU President Dr. Adam C. Wright. “When I was a student, Sheila would constantly stay in contact with so many of us, and she always let us know that she loved us, was praying for us, and was always there to help. When Adam and I stepped into this new role, she only doubled her time caring and praying for me. She was a model mother, wife, and First Lady.” Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Edna Raymer. She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Gary Cook; her son David, his wife, Nicole, their children, Molly, Caleb, and Grace; and her son, Mark, and his wife, Shannon. She is also survived by her brother, Elwyn Raymer, and his wife, Linda. Dr. Gary and Sheila Cook along with Dr. Adam and Candice Wright Joel and Diane Allison; Dr. Gary and Sheila Cook; Dr. Jim and Janet Denison The Cook Family at the groundbreaking of Spence Hall on the DBU campus.
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