Nickole Elaine Ward

She was born on October 24, 1992, in Peoria, the daughter of Julie Kathleen Appel-Ward and Charles “Billy” William Ward III.

Nicki is survived by her children, Mahlia Rose (5) and Mya Grace (3), along with her father, Charles “Billy” William Ward III. She is also survived by Terry Porter, an additional father to her for much of her life.

She is survived by her sister, Miranda “Randi” (Hector Reynoso) Ward. She is also survived by her siblings, Terry Porter Jr, Terrill Heath, Dennis Porter, Jarquia Porter, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Julie Kathleen Appel-Ward. She was also preceded in death by her Nana and Papa, Pat and Ted, as well as other grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

She was most recently a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Medical Office Assistant (MOA), where she could exercise her love of caring for others. Before that, she had spent many years working alongside her mother and Terry at MacDonald Shell.

Nicki enjoyed going fishing and gathering all her family and friends for a cookout. She was a Packers fan, despite her mother being a Bears fan. However, just like her mother, she loved wearing nightgowns and staying home.

What Nicki loved the most was being a mother. Her greatest joy in life was her two girls, Mahlia and Mya. Nicki raised her girls to be strong, independent and kind – a foundation molded by watching her own mother raise her and her sister, Randi.

Nicki found great strength, comfort, and peace in her faith in God.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Inurnment will be at St Mary’s Cemetery in Peoria at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family has setup a GoFundMe to assist with supporting Nicki’s girls: https://gofund.me/0ef0d1998

Words of comfort can be shared with the family at www.RemmertFuneralHome.com