Nichola Renee “Nikki” Tripp

Nichola Renee “Nikki” Tripp, our beloved teacher, daughter and sister, passed away suddenly but peacefully in her home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Sunday, September 24, 2023. She was 56 years old. 
Nikki was born on August 14, 1967, in Queens, New York.  Nikki was the eldest of two daughters born to William Lee and Ruby Patricia Tripp.  Nikki is survived by her mother, Ruby Patricia Tripp and one sister, Debra Tripp, along with nieces Asia Avery and Aspen Jackson; nephews, Adrian Jackson and Anthony Jackson; grandnieces and nephews, Londyn and Silas Barker, and one more on the way!  
Nikki and her family resided in Plainfield, New Jersey. Nikki was the oldest of all the cousins on her fathers side. Her cousins were loved immensely by Nikki. Not a day went by when she didn't mention how she would love to visit all of her family on her mothers side as well. The family moved to Pomona, California where Nikki went to school. Nikki was a 1985 graduate of Garey High School in Pomona. Nikki later moved to Albuquerque to reside with her cousins Richard, Brenda, J.D. and Ashley Holness. Upon her arrival Nikki taught at a local preschool and then attended the University of New Mexico. Nikki received both her Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education in May 0f 2000, and a Master's of Art Degree in Elementary Education in 2001. After college, Nikki earned a New Mexico level III licensure in education and taught numerous elementary and middle school students. Nikki taught at Painted Sky Elementary, Sierra Vista Elementary School, George I. Sanchez, and Tres Volcanes Community Collaborative K-8 Schools.

Her friends along the way, Elena Rodriguez, Jackie Hidalgo, Shannon Bachicha, Melissa Velasquez, Donna Green, Bobbie Marcum, Anita Ortiz, Monica Garciasalas, Lisa Gutierrez, and other teaching friends Monie Corona, Patty Garrett, Melanie Olivas. These, along with numerous other teachers, colleagues, parents and especially her students! 
Nikki loved teaching her students, especially in History and Social Studies, and was greatly admired by her students throughout her 24 years of teaching in Albuquerque Public Schools. She loved seeing her former students throughout the community as they too became adults and began to have families of their own!
Nikki was a spring 2015 initiate of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Iota Xi Omega Chapter.
Nikki was also a member of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. Nikki loved reading, and regularly attended a book club with friends and members of her church family: Aneka York, Doresa Carrington, Aisha Jones, Michele Lewis, Joyell Green, Charlene LeGrande, Lawanda Hightower and Shay Collins. Rest peacefully our sweet Nikki - we love you.

A Memorial Service for Nikki Tripp will be held Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 2:00 p.m., at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, 8550 Saul Bell Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87121.