Sheila Lane Cook

Sheila Lane Cook, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandma, and friend, passed away surrounded by her loving family. She was a beacon of strength, love, and dedication, leaving behind a legacy of devotion to those she cherished.

Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond E. “Dutch” Lunsford and Marguarette “Margie” Lunsford; her siblings, Butch Lunsford and Sharon Halbrook; and her granddaughter, McKenzie Cook.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Jerry Cook of Midland; her daughter Stephanie DesOrmeaux (Andy) of Fort Stewart, GA; her sons Nicholas Cook (Jamie) of La Porte, TX, and Jerry Cook II of Midland. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart: Morgan DesOrmeaux (Tabitha) of Midland, Ethan DesOrmeaux of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, Aaron DesOrmeaux of Fort Stewart, GA, Jonithan Subia (Anselina) of Summerwood, TX, Joseph Belyeu of La Porte, TX, McKenna Cook, McKinley Cook, McKadyn Cook, and Stephanie Girlinghouse (Caleb) all of Midland. She also leaves behind her brother Doug Lunsford (Ann) of San Angelo, seven great-grandchildren Rayleigh and Grayson DesOrmeaux, Phoenix Rivera (Subia), Macy and Audrey Girlinghouse, and Brielle and Lucia Subia, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Sheila had a deep love for her family, friends, and her community. Her dedication to her children led her to serve as both a Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader, where she cultivated lifelong memories and friendships. She was honored as a Vigil Member of Tatanka Lodge #141, a testament to her unwavering service and leadership in the scouting community.  Her Scouting career was punctuated with 3 children earning a Gold Award and 2 Eagle Scout Awards and 3 Eagle Scout grandsons.  She was also a member of the Midland Rebekah Lodge, expanding her desire to help her community.

Sheila was a devoted Christian.  She had multiple church homes throughout her life, the most impactful include Temple Baptist Church, Westside Freewill Baptist Church, Oak Park Baptist Church of New Orleans, Potosi Baptist Church, and First Baptist Church of Midland where she loves her Sunday School class, the GRACE class.

Education was important to Sheila though she continued higher education later in life.  She was a Midland Lee Rebel, Class of ’71, through and through, but would sit with her Bulldog husband to watch either team play.  She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin in 2006 and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of New England in 2014.

Sheila’s career was as varied and impactful as her roles at home. She worked as a school bus driver, a social worker, an employee of Home Lumber Company, TSO and a devoted homemaker. In each of these roles, she was an advocate for those who needed her most — whether they were her family, her patients, or her community.

But her greatest joy came from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to whom she was fiercely devoted. Her final words, “Be strong for the grandkids,” encapsulate her enduring spirit and selflessness.

A visitation has been scheduled for Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 7:00pm- 9:00pm at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home.  Her funeral service will be conducted on Friday, December 13, 2024 at Midland First Baptist Church Chapel at 10:00am with a graveside service to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland, TX. The pallbearers will be Morgan DesOrmeaux, Ethan DesOrmeaux, Aaron DesOrmeaux, Lance Lunsford, Jesse Marshall, and Andy Marshall. Honorary pallbearer will be Neal Lunsford.

Sheila Lane Cook will be remembered for her steadfast love, her strength, and her enduring legacy as a matriarch who put family above all else. She will be deeply missed, yet her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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