Nichole Lawter

Nichole Elizabeth Lawter, 43, of Harbor City passed away Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at Long Beach VA hospital in California after several months of declining health. Born July 12th, 1978 she was the daughter of Dennis Wayne Lawter and Julie Gales Lawter.

Nichole was employed as a contractor for the US Space Force in LA California at the time of her passing.

Nichole grew up attending Christ Lutheran Church in Hickory, throughout her childhood she loved taking dancing and dancing at competitions. She received a degree in international relations from American Military University with Honors, and received a CompTIA Security + certification and had a love for travel and seeing the world. As she grew older she had a passion for helping organizations for people in need.

She was an adventurous and talented person, after high school she attended ECU as a Dance Major. Her journey did not lead her to become a professional dancer; Nichole decided to serve in the United States Air Force in the Profession of Arms. She honed her unique skills as a Chinese linguist, passing one of the most lengthy and difficult schools in the Department of Defense. She was stationed in Hawaii and Maryland state side, protecting American citizens from foreign enemies. Nichole jumped at the chance to deploy to Iraq, spurring on the love of her country and leading her down a path to protect the American people in Cybersecurity. After 8 years of service, Nichole continued to support the United States by completing 2 tours in Afghanistan as an Intelligence Analyst, and settling in Los Angeles working with new and innovative technologies with the United States Space Force.

Our beloved Nichole's memory remains in the hearts and minds of her cherished parents and brother of whom she looked upon as her anchor and North Star: parents Dennis and Julie Lawter of Hickory; a brother Clay Lawter of Hickory; an aunt and uncle Eric and Kim Gales of Newton; and beloved cousin Erica Gales of whom she was close with and loved very much; an aunt and uncle Donna and David Lumb of Hickory. Fur babies Red and River (her Maine Coon cats); her best friends and part of her military family Kelsey Love and Heather Upton of MD; and many other family, friends, and co-workers. She was treasured by those close to her. Her spirituality, passion for life, and deep love of intimate conversation inspired everyone lucky enough to meet and know her.

A memorial service will be held on Friday November 12, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Christ Lutheran Church at 324 2nd Ave SE, Hickory, NC 28602. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:15-12:45 pm.

In lieu of flower donations can be made to CCM in Hickory, the rescue mission in Long Beach California, or Christ Lutheran Church in Hickory.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net. The Lawter family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton 828-464-1555.