Cheryl Rea Hooker, 62, of Pilot Mountain, N.C., died Friday, July 22, 2016, at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem, N.C., surrounded by family and friends. Cheryl was born in Martinsville on January 8, 1954, to the late Walter D. Rea Jr. and Jennie Saul Rea. She graduated from Patrick County High School and received her nursing degree from Patrick Henry Community College to become a registered nurse. Throughout her nursing career spanning more than 40 years, she always put compassion first in caring for her patients and all of those she encountered. In her early years, Cheryl worked as an emergency room nurse and ICU nurse in her hometown hospital in Stuart. Later, as an occupational health nurse, she worked for Bassett Furniture in Bassett and Pannill Knitting in Rocky Mount before coming to Winston-Salem to manage the health department for Sara Lee Knit Products on Stratford Road where her manager, Al Hinson, became her lifelong friend. Her time at Sara Lee was the most fulfilling and most satisfying of her career as she was able to provide education and nurturing to a large community. During her time at Sara Lee, Cheryl attained recognition as a Certified Occupational Health Nurse Specialist with a special Case Management credential (COHN-S/CM) as she continued her own education and demonstrated her commitment to her occupation. After Sara Lee closed, Cheryl’s last nursing adventure was with Coventry Health Care (now Aetna) as a case manager and Certified Legal Nurse Consultant (CLNC). She received many awards and recognition throughout her career but none meant more to her than the Dolores Cox Award for excellence in nursing as the award was named for her beloved mentor and friend. She is survived by her beloved children: daughter Jennifer Jo Inman Weston (and husband Larry), and son Chad Thomas Hooker (and wife Brooke). As a cherished mother and friend, she will be greatly missed. Although her death has left a void in our lives, the memory of her strength and love will lead us onward. Funeral services were conducted Monday, July 25, at 6 p.m. at Hayworth-Miller Chapel in Rural Hall, N.C., with Pastor David Powell officiating. The family held a private graveside service on Tuesday. Donations may be made to Kate B. Reynolds Hospice in her name. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com. (Hayworth-Miller Rural Hall Chapel)
