Nicole Breedlove Panks

Nicole Breedlove Panks, 49, of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away Saturday, October 3, 2026, after a long, courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on November 11, 1976, to Sharon Berrigan Breedlove and Charles V. Breedlove, Nicole was a lover of music and dance. She knew every word to every song, and remembered choreography from every dance she ever learned. She danced side-by-side with her sister at Slidell School of Dance, then later as a Salmen Spartanette, where she met her former husband, Heath. After high school, life took Nicole and her family to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where she fell in love with Alabama football. Nicole could be found in Alabama apparel every Saturday in the fall waiting to passionately cheer on her Crimson Tide. As much as she loved football, it fell second to what she loved the most, her three children; Kayla, Heathy, and Brody. She and her children loved being silly and spending quality time together. Nicole will forever be their “Ma”.

Aside from family, Nicole had many meaningful friendships that helped carry her through many walks of life; some made at the ballpark, some carried on from high school and childhood, and some made during her career as a nurse. It was hard to find a person that didn’t want to be friends with Nicole and her fun-loving spirit. She could always be found at a parade or a festival enjoying the food and fun that life had to offer.

There is no question that Nicole loved deeply and unconditionally. Her love carried an immeasurable weight that can only be described by those who felt it. We will miss her immensely, especially her sarcasm and witty one-liners. No one “gets” us like Nik.

She is survived by her three children, Kayla Marie Panks, Heath Donovan Panks, Jr. (Oriana), and Brody Cooper Panks; her former spouse, Heath Donovan Panks, Sr.; her parents, Charles V. and Sharon Berrigan Breedlove; her sister, Charlotte Breedlove McLain (Sean); her nephews, Jackson Hunter McLain and Jase Charles McLain; and her sweet puppy, Reece Angelo/Reecie Boy, who never left her side.

Per Nicole’s wishes, a private entombment will be held for immediate family only at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Nicole’s life on October 16, 2026, from 4-7 pm, at Blanc & Brick Event Venue, located at 2144 1st Street, Slidell, La.

Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell, LA.