Portrait of Sheryl Woods. IMB Photo

Sheryl “Sherry” Jean Woods, an International Mission Board missionary emeritus who shared the gospel in Nigeria, died March 27, 2024, in Independence, Missouri. She was 72.  

Sheryl was born July 31, 1951, in Kansas City, Missouri, to the late Aubrey Norris Woods and Peggy Jean Long Woods.  She graduated from William Chrisman High School in Independence, Missouri, and received the Bachelor of Arts from William Jewell College, Liberty, Missouri, and the Master of Religious Education from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri.   

She first became involved in missions her senior year of high school when her church started a local mission and needed a children’s teacher. She continued to be involved in missions at William Jewell College, serving as a summer missionary in Alaska and Louisiana. Following graduation from college, she served a two-year US-2 (now Journeyman) term in Arizona with the Home Mission Board (now North American Mission Board). After seminary, Sheryl sought employment “wherever God could use me most effectively” and was hired as the youth and children’s minister at Leawood Baptist Church, Leawood, Kansas.  

When seeking appointment to Nigeria, Sheryl wrote, “Whether it is home or foreign, missions will always be part of my life!”  

In 1981, the International Mission Board appointed Sheryl Jean Woods missionary to Nigeria, where she served as a counselor to youth and engaged in prison ministry.  

In an obituary provided by her family was the motto Sheryl lived by, “no regrets, no retreat, no reserve,” and the Scripture that was her guide stone, Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” 

She is survived by her brothers, Randy (Kelli), Jeff (Cindy), and Aaron (Julissa); one sister, Mindy Cobb; 14 nieces and nephews and 8 grandnieces and grandnephews; and close friend, Kelly Woods. 

A Celebration of Life service was held April 6 at Abundant Life Church in Blue Springs, Missouri. The service was also live streamed on her Facebook page. Friends and former coworkers from Nigeria traveled from several states for the celebration.