Nikki Paige Purdue was born on Wednesday, June 4, 1975, in Carmel, Monterey, California, to Army Specialist IV Christin Wayne Purdue, and Sheri Lynn Taylor Purdue. Nikki attended Gregory Lincoln Fine Arts Academy; and was a teen-volunteer at Park Plaza Hospital and Museum of Natural Science; modeled for Foley’s Department Stores, Houston; and President of Foley’s Teen Board. She began working at age 16 and was successful at every endeavor, from waitress to barista, selling Godiva chocolate, Journey’s shoes, Gap clothing, advertising, cars – she could sell ice in Alaska! She had an entrepreneurial spirit, with her first business cleaning houses, “Peachy Clean,” where she sprayed peach air freshener afterwards; “Wharton County Living Magazine” supported by advertising; and then she helped her future husband, William Loyd, open his first art studio. Lastly, she created and operated, with William: coffee shop & café: Nectar.

Nikki first married Emilio Mata; she helped raise his daughter Maggie during their ten-year marriage; in 2007, they divorced. She met Thomas Araguz III and they married in August, 2008. Firefighter Captain Araguz, died in the line of duty on July 4, 2010, inciting the now-famous court action preventing Nikki from her two stepsons, and her widow benefits. Nikki ultimately won in her case in the Texas Supreme Court. Nikki met the love of her life, William Loyd, and they were married on the steps of Texas Court of Appeals on September 13, 2013. Nikki was a dedicated wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. Nikki was an outspoken advocate for transgender and LGBT rights, assisted many in their journey, and wrote in HuffPost. She overcame obstacles others couldn’t, changed policies and laws that will benefit future generations.

Nikki Paige Purdue Loyd left this earthly realm on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at her home in Atascocita, Texas. Nikki was predeceased in death by husband Thomas Araguz III, Biological father Christin Purdue, uncles Paul Purdue, Jerry Taylor and Loren “Bim” Gall; aunt Jodi Lynn Denman.

Survivors include: Husband, William Morris Loyd ~ Daughter, Charlotte Loyd ~ Son, Cash Loyd ~ Father, Chuck Bockelman ~ Mother, Sheri Taylor Bockelman ~ Brother, Gary Purdue (Kimberly Purdue) ~ Sister, Vanessa Ball (Matthew Ball) ~ Nephews: Navy Seaman, Chance Crutchfield ~ Air Force Airman, Charles Purdue ~ Nieces: Christina Purdue ~ Stevie Harvey ~ Bella Harvey ~ Kayla Heugel ~ Aunts: Sharon, Joni (Ari), Christy (TJ), Karen, Julie (Sid), Jean, Jonda and Carla ~Uncles: John (Peggy), James, along with many other cousins and family in France and Australia.