Family will receive friends on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. until time of Memorial Service at 3:00 p.m. at Living Faith Apostolic Church, 2177 Mock Road, Columbus, OH 43219.

Nicole Sonya Dortch Pannell, 41, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on September 9, 2024. Nicole, widely known as Nikki, was born on April 15, 1983, in Cleveland, Ohio to Cheryl Slater (nee Dortch) and David Alexander. She was a beacon of radiance and generosity, known for her effervescent spirit, charisma, and charm. Nikki had a profound impact on everyone she met, making lasting impressions with her love, thoughtful gifts, her quick wit and infectious laugh. She was a brilliant spirit and the void left in her absence will never be filled.

Nikki was educated in the Cleveland Public School system and graduated from Max Hayes High School. She furthered her education at The Ohio State University obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a focus in Corporate Training and Development. Her professional life was marked by a series of significant roles where her leadership skills and personality were on full display. She dedicated herself to enhancing organizational growth and personal development at several institutions including Wallick Communities, Rogue Fitness, City of Columbus, and The Ohio State University. Nikki charged up the corporate ladder and left every organization better than it was prior to her arrival. She was also looking forward to starting a graduate program at Case Western Reserve University. Nikki served as a board member for the Central Ohio Association of Talent Development and began her career teaching at Children First. Nikki touched the lives of dozens of children, and this would prove foundational when she entered motherhood herself.

Nikki received her Lord in Savior Jesus Christ in early adulthood and was a committed member of Living Faith Apostolic Church. She was often involved in church activities and cherished her time in fellowship. Her hobbies reflected her vibrant personality, including shooting pool (she was a beast), attending comedy shows, cooking, dancing, and playing cards. She loved everything Cleveland and often traveled back home to watch and attend Browns football games with family. She loved visiting new places, smoking the occasional cigar, dining out, and had a keen interest in fashion and music. Above all, her greatest joy was her son, Ethan, with whom she shared her love for life's adventures.

Nikki is survived by her son, Ethan Pannell; her mother, Cheryl Slater (nee Dortch); stepfather, Michael Slater; her sisters, Kairi Dortch and Kristal Alexander, her son’s father, Alonzo Pannell, nephew, David Hudson, beloved dog, Sir, and a multitude of cousins, friends, and colleagues. She was preceded in death by her father, David Alexander. The family invites all who knew Nikki to join in celebrating her remarkable life.