Victoria Meadows

Victoria “Nikki” Meadows, musician, non-conformist, hippie-eccentric, and free spirit—whose heart was as vast as her struggles—passed away at home on December 13, 2024. Born the youngest daughter of Norah Marie Perry and LeRoy Clayton Hill on March 10, 1956, in Columbus, Ohio, Nikki lived a life defined by her hardships, her kindness, and her unwavering individuality.

Known to most as Nikki, she was a kaleidoscope of creativity and compassion, woven into an unconventional tapestry of love and resilience. A welcomer to all who came knocking, she opened her home and heart to those in need. Over the decades, countless friends, strangers, and passersby found shelter, kindness, and hope under her roof, as she believed in lifting others up, even when her own burdens were heavy. She cherished the beauty of butterflies, the loyalty of dogs, and the stories of people others often overlooked.

Music was both Nikki’s refuge and her gift to the world. Through the strings of her beloved 12-string Gibson guitar, “Old Man,” she poured out her joys and sorrows. Her songs—an eclectic mix of blues, folk, and improvised melodies—were inspired by the streets of the French Quarter, a place her heart called home.

Nikki embraced the unusual and imperfect, celebrating life in all its messy beauty. Her eclectic taste shone through in everything she touched, from her bold wardrobe to the curated chaos of her home—a reflection of her life’s journey. While her physical travels were limited, her spirit roamed far and wide, meeting the world through the countless people who passed through her door. She wore her scars openly, and her dreams were boundless, leaving behind a unique imprint on all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by two daughters, Shilah Nicole (Westerville, Ohio) and Jessica Love (Naples, FL); four grandchildren, Paige, Nadia, Abby, and Michael; a great-grandson, Carter; and three beloved sisters, RuthAnn Giffin, Deborah Snodgrass, and Cindy Marsh. Nikki also cherished special bonds with her nieces and nephews, Joan Cain, Danielle Angel, Aron Ward, Eddie Griffin, Samantha Morrison, and Shaun Marsh, as well as countless friends around the world she considered family—you all know who you are.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Tony Slaughter, Ike Slaughter, Mike Slaughter, and Myron Hill; and her beloved protector, supporter, and mentor, Frank Griffeth.

A celebration of Nikki’s life will be held near her birthday on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Hudson Square, 5451 Olivia Michal Pl., Westerville, Ohio. Please join us in honoring her memory with food, some of her favorite music, and a heartfelt collection of letters shared by those who knew and loved her. If you feel inspired, bring an instrument, share a song, spoken word, or memory—just as she would have loved.

In honor of her legacy, her children kindly ask that you consider making a donation in her name to the Columbus Coalition for the Homeless or Columbus Humane, supporting causes Nikki deeply cared about. Her life was a melody of resilience and love, a reminder that even in the hardest times, there is always room to give.