Audra “Nikki” Nichelle Jackson, 55, returned to her heavenly home on February 9, 2023 after a courageous battle with Cancer. Her devotion to her sons, siblings, family, friends, and co-workers, who supported her in her fight, and her firm belief in God, ultimately allowed her to go home in peace.

Nikki was born in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Nasira Banks and Hugh Lee Groce, who instilled in her the value of education, service to others, community involvement and uplifting others. Her educational path took her from St. Joseph’s Elementary School, on to Beaumont High School and continued on to her Bachelors and Master’s degree.

In 1989 Nikki enlisted in the United States Air Force where she met and married James Derrick Jackson Sr. (divorced). That union produced two cherished sons: James “DJ” Derrick Jackson Jr. and Jalen Nasir Jackson who were her entire world.

Post her Air Force Career, she continued her service to others where she enjoyed volunteering within the community. One of her passions was working with and mentoring young women through Girls on Run Organization, Meals on Wheels, high school basketball and Kappa League to name a few.

Nikki established her home and work in Huntsville, Alabama where she led and mentored her team as a Branch Chief at the Army Contracting Command, in the Pricing Division, Redstone Arsenal, AL. When she was not working, she enjoyed traveling, dancing and singing and was an avid runner and member of Black Girls Run. She enjoyed working out and even competed in the Rocket City Bodybuilding competition where she took 2^nd place.

However, her greatest joy was spending time with her family. Laughing with DJ, watching Jalen play basketball and snuggling with her grandson Andre (bunga bunga)

Audra is survived by her children: DJ Jackson (Ashli) and Jalen Jackson. Her siblings: Cynthia Reynolds (David), Alisa Goodwin (Maurice) Lawrence Scott (Shirley) Carlita Scott-McPherson (Brian), Adrian Smith, Ronnell Groce (LaKrisha), Charles Mann, grandson Andre Yared Jackson and Best Friend Robin Campbell. A host of niece and nephews, extended family members and close friends.