Martha Sheeder Endowed Scholarship

On October 15, 2016, Martha Painter Sheeder collapsed at dinner for an unknown reason and was without oxygen for too long, resulting in severe and irreversible brain damage. She was removed from life support on October 20, 2016 and passed within minutes, surrounded by her loving family. 

As most know, Martha returned to school to study nursing later in life at Baylor's Louise Herrington School of Nursing in Dallas. Just prior to finishing her studies, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fighting cancer was likely one of the most difficult experiences of her life, but she didn't show it--she never lost her sense of humor and positivity. She knew God's plan was bigger than this.

After completing her treatment and finishing her degree, Martha eventually ended up working as an infusion nurse at the very place where she received her own chemotherapy, Texas Oncology. There, Martha found her life's calling. As a former patient, she had a unique perspective of her work. One example of her creativity and passion is "Martha's Gong". She purchased a large gong and created a now infamous tradition of having patients at Texas Oncology ring the gong on their last day of treatment so that all can celebrate with them.

Martha always chose happiness--even when it was difficult to do so. She was a woman so filled with love for her God and for others, and everyone she encountered was better for knowing her. Martha lived her life BIG and LOUD. She cherished the small things in life and never took a moment for granted. She was an inspiration--showing others how to love unconditionally, live fearlessly, laugh constantly, and to trust an uncertain future to an all knowing God. She will be missed dearly by her loved ones, but we all take solace in knowing we will see her again in heaven someday.

In her memory, we are establishing the Martha Painter Sheeder Endowed Scholarship in Nursing at Baylor University. The scholarship will support single mothers who choose to pursue a degree in nursing later life, just as Martha did. Nothing would have made her happier than to know that, even through her death, she was helping others!

As the Baylor donation website proved difficult to navigate, we have created this GoFundMe as an alternate means of donation. Contributions can be made on this site or at: http://www.baylor.edu/giving/sheeder (please click "Give" within Martha's scholarship and, on the next page write "Martha Sheeder" under "in memory of").

This fund has been started by her daughters (Allison, Meredith, Lindsay and Maury) who will contribute all amounts raised herein directly to the Martha Painter Sheeder Endowed Scholarship in Nursing at Baylor University in Dallas, Texas.

Please contact us with any questions.

Thank you.