Nicole Renee Rakes

Nicole Renee Rakes, 51, was born to Harry J. Goins and Patricia C. Rakes on July 1, 1970 in Columbus, Ohio. She went home to be with the Lord, unexpectedly, on July 20, 2021.

Nicole graduated from Independence High School, class of 1989. She attended Ohio Dominican University. Over the years she worked in a variety of office-related positions. She was a Customer Relations Specialist for J C Penney’s Stores at the time of her passing. She was also the proud owner of Sunday Desserts. Affectionately known as “Sweets Baker” she was an amazing pastry chef.

Nicole loved the Lord and her family. She had a charming personality and never met a stranger.

Nicole was preceded in death by her grandparents; Edward and Beatrice Rakes, Cleve and Ora Westmoreland, John L. Goins, and George and Murdis Dawson; cousins James Derick Goins, Kevin Magwood, Albert Rhodes and uncle Virgil W. Rakes

She is survived by and leaves to mourn her passing her parents Patricia and Larry Stephens, Columbus, OH and Harry and Barbara Goins, Alexandria, VA. Sisters Leah (Roger) Hunt, Shari Goins, and Phylicia Goins; brother Larry D. (Keesha) Stephens; special aunts Charlotte Goins Carter, Belva (John) Goins-Ramsey, Gonnie Goins, and Tammy Dawson; special uncles Kenneth (Adrianne) Dawson, Bishop George (Shalonda) Dawson and Jeremiah Carter, Sr.; nieces Jayah Hunt and Larrynn Stephens; nephews Akili Stephens, Josiah Hunt and Kevin Morris; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and loving friends. Special thanks and much love to Nicole’s God sisters Yolanda Suel-Moorman and Robin (Curtis) Holloway for all that they did to make Nicole’s life happier.

Viewing will begin at 1:00 PM Monday, August 16, 2021 with Private Funeral Service to follow at 2:00 PM at Marlan Gary Chapel of Peace – East in Columbus, Ohio. Pastor Wesley Dunlap will be officiating.