Amanda Nikole Smith

December 4, 1985 – July 10, 2025

Amanda Nikole “Nikki” Smith left this world on her own terms on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 1:04 a.m. After a fierce but short battle with cancer, she passed away peacefully with family, friends, and a whole lot of loved ones by her side.

Born December 4, 1985, in Waco, Texas, Nikki came into this world a fighter and never lost that fire. Her first hours of life were marked by complications, but in true Nikki fashion, she beat the odds and never let it slow her down. That grit carried her through every chapter of her life.

As a young girl she developed a love for dance, won numerous awards, and earned a place on the NBHS Monoceras dance team. Nikki was a graduate of NBHS and completed a BS in Business Administration from Texas A&M-San Antonio. She loved music, attending concerts, sharing a good meal and drinks with the ones she loved, and following her favorite football player, Tom Brady.

On March 17, 2008, Nikki welcomed her greatest joy: her son, Jackson Bryan Herber. From that moment on, the world revolved around their adventures — school events, motocross weekends, inside jokes, and a bond that could never be broken. Jackson is who he is today because Nikki poured every ounce of herself into being his mom. Fiercely protective and endlessly proud, she was his biggest cheerleader—and he, hers.

For over 20 years, Nikki ruled the service industry with a quick wit, a sharp eye, and amassing friends and “regulars” wherever she went. Whether at the Grist Mill, Chili’s, Gruene River Grille, Texas Roadhouse - Waco, Lone Star Lounge, The Den at La Vernia, or Wings & Rings, Nikki made a lasting impression on everyone she met. If she served you once, she remembered your drink, your story, and probably gave you a hard time (with love, of course). That sparkle in her eye and signature laugh could turn a rough day into a good one — just ask the many who quickly became her extended family. So many have reached out through phone calls, texts, and social media to share their thoughts, prayers, stories, and pictures from a short life well lived.

Nikki is survived by her son, Jackson; her parents, Polly and Bill Smith; her sister and brother-in-law, Noel and Kennan Koenig; her brother, Wade Smith; her boyfriend, Danny Vera; all of New Braunfels, her uncle, Greg Wade of China Spring, and numerous loved ones around the world.

To honor Nikki’s memory, a Celebration of Life will be held, Sunday, August 10th, from 4:30 - 7:30pm; at Tavern on Castell, 208 S Castell, New Braunfels, Tx 78130. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to an educational fund set up for Jackson. https://venmo.com/u/Jackson-Herber-Education-Fund1 . Nothing would make her more proud than seeing her son chase his dreams.

It’s not goodbye Nikki, it’s just good night. We look forward to the time when we will see that beautiful and mischievous smile once more. We love you to the moon and back!