Josephine Nicole "Niki" Thames

Josephine Nicole “Niki” Thames passed away Thursday, January 29, 2026, at her home in Vicksburg, Mississippi. She was born January 5, 1944, in Jackson, Mississippi to the late Elijah Austin “E.A.” and Mary Ophelia Henderson Jones. Niki grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, and Tallulah, Louisiana; graduating from Tallulah High School.

While raising her children, Niki made and sold various arts and crafts; including painted wood carvings, painted shirts, family ‘apple’ trees, and so much more. She was extremely talented and creative. Niki also spent many enjoyable years as the recreational director at the Madison Council on Aging in Tallulah. She loved doing various fun activities with her ‘ladies,’ traveling to Branson, and making lifetime friends.

Some of Niki’s loves were Elvis, cruising with her cousin Cely, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Niki was also a lifelong avid reader. Just three weeks prior to her passing, she read James Patterson’s new novel in a couple of days. Most importantly, Niki loved the Lord and prayed continually. When hospice asked if she wanted any life saving measures, her response was quick; “No, because when I die, I’ll be in Heaven.”

Niki was the first ‘go to’ for many of her children and grandchildren; first person they’d call with news, first person to share their life with, and for that, and many other reasons, she will be greatly missed.

Niki is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Robert Thames, and brother, Charles Jones. She is survived by one sister, Kathryn Jones, four children, Christi Purvis (Robert), Sheila Mayberry (Dave), Valerie Goss, and Sam Kennedy (Jessica); nine grandchildren, J.T. O’Dell, Kaitlyn O’Dell, Cody Thornton, John Curtis Thornton, Gracie Knight,

John Young, Corbin Coody, Emma Parker, and Madalynn Kennedy; four great grandchildren, Bentley Cormier, Amelia King, Krewz Thompson, and Jasper Young; several nieces and nephews, cousins, and numerous friends.

A special remembrance ceremony will be held on Sunday, February 15, at the home of Christi and Robert Purvis from 2-4 pm.

The family would like to send a special thank you to St. Joseph Hospice in Vicksburg for all the loving care and comfort they gave to Niki.

In lieu of flowers, Niki requested donations be made to Madison Council on Aging in Tallulah, Louisiana, or to your favorite charity.

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