The Adventist community in the Cayman Islands, both locally and internationally, is grateful for Sheila Woods’ outstanding service to the church. With 41 years of dedicated service at the local Adventist Headquarters (Conference Office), Woods is now the longest-serving Caymanian native. She started her journey as the Office Secretary, Adventist Book and Nutrition Centre Clerk, and Accountant for 19 years before being elected as the Treasurer in 2000. Woods held this position for 12 years before moving to the Auditor and Women’s Ministries Director role for the last ten years of her service.
In addition to these positions, Woods also served in various capacities in the local church, including Music Leader, AY Leader, Treasurer, Sabbath School Superintendent, Sabbath School Teacher for multiple levels, and Church Pianist. Her dedication and unwavering commitment to the service of Christ have been a blessing to the Adventist community.
At her retirement dinner held just before Christmas of 2022, John E. Wesley, Chief Financial Officer of the Cayman Islands Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, awarded Woods a minted treasury coin engraved with the words “41 Years of Professional Steadfast Services.” The coin, crafted by experts in the United States, also featured a photo of Woods on one side and was a fitting recognition of her years of service.
Woods received numerous gifts and commendations during the dinner, with Ina Ramos, a coworker and Accountant at the Adventist Book and Nutrition Store, expressing gratitude for her inspiring work ethic. Ramos shared, “You are such a thoughtful person to work with; we appreciate how you go above and beyond to ensure everything at the office is handled correctly. It’s rare you find a colleague who inspires us the way you have.”
Sheila Woods has left an indelible mark on the Adventist Church in the Cayman Islands with her 41 years of service. Her contributions to the church will always be remembered and cherished by the Adventist community. The community extends its heartfelt appreciation for all she has done and wishes her a fulfilling and joyful retirement.
Written by: Devarro Whittaker, Associate Television Producer.
