Mrs. Nicole Richner Pankey, 42, of Murfreesboro passed away peacefully in her home on April 30, 2020 after a long courageous battle with cancer with family at her side. Nicole was born on September 9, 1977 in Hackettstown, New Jersey and graduated from Warren Hills High School. She was a veteran of the U. S. Army, serving her country honorably as a Blackhawk helicopter mechanic and crew chief. She was a driven professional, completing her bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University in 2018 and working for HCA as an analyst until a few months prior to her passing when she was promoted to management.
Nicole not only bravely served her country but also served as a loving wife, mother, and friend. She never wavered in her faith that the Lord would heal her. She truly lived out the scripture found in 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” They find peace knowing that she is now healed and in the loving arms of her Savior.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, David and Annie DeYong and Milton and Virginia Richner.
She is survived by her loving husband, Jeremy Pankey, and children that she loved “so very much”, Cohen Bennett, Arianna Bennett, and Abrey Pankey, parents, Allan Richner, Sr. and Linda DeYong, siblings, Allan Richner, Jr., Debbie (Pat) Hall, and Renee (Steve) Bernardi.
The family will hold a private Celebration of Life for her on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at Christian Life Church at 5 pm. Ron Kairdolf will officiate. In lieu of flowers the family asks memorials to be given to the Nikki Mitchell Foundation, to assist patients of pancreatic cancer and their families. Contact Smith Funeral Home for details. The family would like to extend a special thank the staff and volunteers of The Nikki Mitchel Foundation and the many family and friends for their time and care. Support the family with messages of hope, memories, and condolences at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337