Lauren Leigh Nicks

Lauren Leigh Nicks, 61, of Grand Prairie, TX succumbed to cancer on December 28, 2022, after a brief but fierce battle. Lauren was the eldest daughter of Lawrence Gruber, deceased and Lois Gruber Knoffer. She joined brother David and later sister Kimberly arrived to join the family. They resided in Florida, her formative years in Tampa, then moved to Land O’ Lakes, FL. She graduated from Land O’ Lakes High School and furthered her education as a graduate from the University of Oklahoma.

She met her best friend and love of her life, Walter B. Nicks in November of 1980, and they were married June 19, 1981. They enjoyed travelling together, country dancing, camping and entertaining family and friends at their home in Grand Prairie, TX.

Lauren proudly served as a VP in human resources for JP Morgan Chase for almost 30 years. Her talent for mentoring people, ability to lead and direct, as well as analyze and organize benefitted many. She earned the love and respect of her co-workers and managers as evidenced by the gifts, cards and prayers sent to her by so many. She participated in many community events with Chase, one of which was Clear the Shelter, which is another of Lauren’s passions – fur persons.

Lauren had a lifetime love affair with PUGS. She had many over her lifetime with MacKenzie and Olivia being the current two, along with Sophie and Trinity rounding out their family. Other fur persons of note were Baby, Pup, Dave and a squirrel named Chuck. It is due to her love of pets that Grand Prairie Paws was dear to her heart.

Lauren gave selflessly of her time, talent and money to Epsilon Sigma Alpha, a social organization which supports local charities and nationally St. Jude Children’s Hospital. She was the current President of the local chapter Alpha Gamma and was serving as State Chairman for the Foundation for 2022-23. She made friends wherever she went and her wit, sense of humor and thoughtfulness will be missed by all who knew her.

Lauren is survived by her husband Walter; mother Lois; brother David Gruber (Staci), their children Tara Gruber Williams, (Ryan) daughter Alecia; Tim Gruber (Amanda); Julia Gruber. Also by sister Kimberly Knoffer and her sons Francis Pasierb (Bernadette); Kyle Pasierb (Kayleigh) and daughter Kennedy.

Her Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday January 15, 2023 at West Fork Presbyterian Church, 905 Santerre Dr., Grand Prairie, TX 75050. Doors will open at 1:30 with services at 2 p.m. Fellowship with family, friends and food will be in the fellowship hall at the same location. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grand Prairie Paws.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grandprairiefh.com for the Nicks family.