Lucille Marie “Nikki” Johnson was born on April 30, 1960, in Beaumont, Texas, to George Sanders and Thelma Marie Allen. Her parents later relocated to San Antonio in search of better job opportunities. Nikki received her education in the San Antonio Independent School District.

From a young age, Nikki was introduced to church life when her mother attended Hodges Chapel, planting seeds of faith that grew throughout her life. On August 14, 1993, she gave her life to Christ, marking the start of her transformation and lifelong service to the Lord. She joined Redeeming Grace Church in the 1990s, later attended another church for a time, and returned in 2014 to continue serving faithfully.

At the age of 20, Nikki entered the United States Army Reserve on October 22, 1980, at Fort Sam Houston as a PV1. She completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, then went on to finish 71L10 Administrative Specialist training at Company 811 Battalion, CST Brigade. Prior to enlisting, she earned her GED, and in August 1986, she received an Honorable Discharge.

In 1985, Nikki married the love of her life, Charlie Lee Johnson, and embraced her role as a stepmother. Together, they faced many challenges, including struggles with drug addiction. Through perseverance and faith, Nikki began a journey of transformation that would shape the rest of her life. In 2007, following Charlie’s passing, Nikki became drug-free — a turning point that marked the beginning of a new chapter filled with purpose and determination.

With a renewed sense of purpose, she pursued higher education, graduating from St. Philip’s College in 2003 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Administrative Assistant. She began working in Judson ISD as a substitute teacher while continuing her studies and later earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business with a minor in Christian Studies from Wayland Baptist University. She also joined the Esperanza Area of Narcotics Anonymous, both to continue her personal growth and to encourage others on their path to recovery.

Nikki’s faith was her anchor. In the late 1990s, she endured and overcame many trials, emerging as a true Warrior for Christ. Throughout her years at Redeeming Grace Church, she poured her heart into serving — joining the first praise dance ministry, volunteering countless hours in the church office, singing in the choir, serving in the food bank ministry, and working in the audio-visual room until her health no longer allowed her to do so.

Nikki was preceded in death by her parents, George Sanders and Thelma Edwards; two sisters, Veronica Wilson and Delores Douressaux; her niece, Jerry Juanita Jenkins; and her beloved fur babies, Cameron and Titana.

She leaves to cherish her memory her special nieces and nephews: Vanessa Wilson, Dajion D. Douressaux, Horace and Harold Wilson, and Martin Craig Jr.; six brothers: Donald Ray, George Xavier Sanders, Martin Allen Craig Sr., Willie Walker, and Rodney Christopher Craig; one sister, Mildred Lane; the Sullivan family; her Redeeming Grace Church family; and a host of other relatives and friends who will forever remember her big smile and big heart. She also leaves behind her precious fur babies, Chloe and Haley.

Services will be held on August 15, 2025 at 12;00 pm. Flowers and cards can be sent to Redeeming Grace Church, 4500 N. Foster Road, SA, TX 78244.

Visitation

Aug

15

Redeeming Grace Christian Church

4500 N Foster Road
San Antonio, Texas 78244

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Funeral Service

Aug

15

Redeeming Grace Christian Church

4500 N Foster Road
San Antonio, Texas 78244

12:00 PM