Andrea Jean Cheek

Surrounded by loved ones, Andrea Jean Cheek met her Heavenly Father on Monday, December 28, 2020. She stood tall and proud in a perfect, healthy body as she walked the streets of gold, hearing the words "well done, my good and faithful servant."

Andrea Jean Conrad entered into this world on February 13, 1962 in Abilene, TX. Born to Don and Peggy Conrad, she was the second child in a family of five children. "Andy", as she was known to family & friends, was a ray of energy & light. She always had a witty comment, a beautiful smile, style, class, and a twinkle in her eye.

She attended Abilene schools (Jackson, Madison, Cooper), making friends everywhere she went. Her undergraduate education included courses taken at McMurry University, Texas Christian University and Abilene Christian University, concluding with the achievement of her Bachelors of Science in Nursing at Hardin Simmons University in 1988. She soon took her board exams and began her career in healthcare as a Registered Nurse working at Hendrick Hospital.

In 1990 she married Gary Cheek Sr., father of three young children. Andrea was overjoyed to become a mother to Gary Jr., Rebecca and Daniel. In 1992, little sister Catherine "Katie" arrived to complete the Cheek family. Gary and Andrea raised their family in Clyde, TX. During this time while managing a busy household and working full-time, Andrea pursued and earned a Masters of Science in Nursing in 1998 from Abilene Christian University and became a Family Nurse Practitioner. She and Gary were married for 24 years and remained close friends, concert buddies, and supportive parents to their four children after going their separate ways in 2014.

Andrea was an utterly selfless woman who made the world a better place every minute that she was in it. She lived to serve others and aid those in need. Her profession was truly a calling, and it empowered her to serve others endlessly. Her innate curiosity, keen power of observation and professional training made her an astute diagnostician and clinician. For many years, she served the community of Eastland practicing under Dr. Sandra Hazelip, and later served the community of Abilene for many more years at Dr. J's Walk-in Clinic practicing under Dr. Jeff Jackson. Her most recent employment (and perhaps the most personally significant) was caring for the residents of the Abilene State Supported Living Center. She also gave back to her profession for many years by teaching graduate-level classes at Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing, educating the next generation of Nurse Practitioners.

She was an enthusiastic and active member of Fountaingate Fellowship in Abilene and did not hesitate to speak about her faith. Her Christ-filled spirit and love of God was the fire inside of Andrea that was evident to anyone she met; the very core of who she was. Her relationship with the Lord and her infinite trust in His plans for her life surpassed earthly understanding. A written prayer from the day of her cancer diagnosis dated 11/21/19 reads, "There will be good stuff that comes out of this - can't even imagine, but God will be GOD!! … Thank you God for always loving me & taking care of me."

In addition to faith, family and career, Andrea enjoyed and excelled in cooking & was delighted to entertain guests. She was an "American Girl" who loved Tom Petty and listened to Carlos Santana and anything else rock-and-roll on repeat. She cherished and sought out culture, live music, art, fine dining… she valued the ways that God blesses us with the talents and attributes that make each of us unique.

Andrea is predeceased by her father, Donald L. Conrad. She is survived by mother, Peggy L. Conrad of Abilene; sister Marsha Conrad Tygret (husband Mark, sons Will & John); brothers Charley F. Conrad (wife Yvonne, daughter Carmen), Monte L. Conrad (son Spencer) and Karl F. Conrad (partner Gary Cerrone); children Gary Cheek Jr. (wife Cindy, daughter Lisa), Rebecca Cheek (daughters Addison & Halli), Daniel Cheek (daughter Kaylee, son Jaxon) and Katie Moss (husband Colt, son Parker).

Andrea's friends and family are humbled with the deepest gratitude to Bush Ramsey. He was truly appointed by God to be in Andrea's life during this time. His love, kindness and devotion sustained Andrea through some of the most difficult moments as she navigated her disease. For everything he has done, we are forever thankful.

A celebration of Andrea's life will be held on her 59th birthday, Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 5:30 PM at Fountaingate Fellowship in Abilene:

Fountaingate Fellowship Church
909 N. Willis Street
Abilene, TX 79603