Nickki Nekay Dowell

Nickki Nekay Dowell, age 47, passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025. Born on March 7, 1978, in Clifton, Texas. Nicki was the daughter of Ronny Dowell and Debbie Gillaspie. From an early age, she faced significant health challenges with remarkable courage. Diagnosed at age 5 with an aggressive brain tumor that required multiple surgeries and brought lasting complications, Nikki met each obstacle with resilience and a radiant smile.

She graduated from Midway High School in 1999. During her time there, she participated in the Special Olympics and proudly earned medals in bowling, a sport she loved and excelled in. In 2000, Nickki began working at H-E-B in Woodway, where she enjoyed a fulfilling 16-year career. She took great pride in her work bagging groceries and cherished the opportunity to interact with customers.

Her warmth and kindness made a lasting impression on everyone who met her.

A devoted Christian and member of Trinity Fellowship Church, Nickki was known for her compassionate spirit and unwavering faith. She often prayed for others and found joy in lifting those around her.

Nickki had many passions that brought happiness to her life. She, being a loyal Baylor Bears fan, enjoyed watching the game with her Dad and Uncles. She loved country music and singing her favorite karaoke songs by Alabama to her friends at Friends For Life in Waco. She collected crosses and displayed them proudly to show her great love for Jesus. Nickki knew that she had a place in heaven and was excited to see her mother and other loved ones one day. Her generous heart was evident throughout her life. Always willing to give whatever she could to help someone else.

Nicki‘s final act of kindness was her cornea donation through Miracles in Sight – granting the gift of sight to two people.

Nikki was preceded in death by her mother, Debbie Gillaspie; stepfather Mickey Gillaspie; stepmother Lynda Dowell; sister Maggie Dowell; maternal grandparents, Lonnie H. and Margaret Padgett; and paternal grandparents, Cecil and Erma Dowell.

She is survived by her father, Ronny Dowell; sisters, Shay Maddison, and Megan Vasquez; as well as nieces and a nephew.

Nickki’s life was a testament to perseverance, love, and generosity. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.

Please join us in a celebration of Nicki‘s life on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10:30 at Trinity Fellowship Church, 388 Cotton Belt Pkwy, McGregor, Texas.