Nigele Thomas Williamson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Nigele Thomas Williamson, known to many as “Nige Hox”. Born on March 12, 1992, Nigele left us on September 2, 2023, at the age of 31. He called Lapwai, Idaho home.

From his early days, Nigele was often found fishing and hunting, singing with Lightning Creek, and enjoying his first kill with his Uncle Lil Tom. Singing was a part of him, evident even when he was still in pampers. Countless moments were spent with his beloved Papa Skip, embracing traditions by going to sweat and digging kous kous. Before the school bell rang, Nigele would always be at Gramma Lucille’s house, warming up with a bowl of oatmeal “mush”.

Nigele was a force on the sports fields of Lapwai High School, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. A true Wildcat, he became the salutatorian of his graduating class in 2010. He pursued higher education at WSU and graduated from LCSC, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2018, never letting his GPA fall below a remarkable 3.7.

Starting his professional journey in fast food, Nigele soon became a familiar face behind the bar at the Clearwater River Casino. But his true calling began when his illustrious career started in 2012 at the Nez Perce Tribal Enterprises, working from security, bartender, and moving into the Business Operations Planner. Always striving for excellence, he played a pivotal role in bringing back wealth to our people and ardently worked towards the upliftment of the Nez Perce community.

Outside work, Nigele was a man of myriad passions. Whether it was cheering for the Minnesota Vikings and Twins, diving deep into video games, or quoting his favorite movie lines, he embraced life with zest. His competitive streak shone the brightest during family game nights, always leaving everyone in awe of his trivia knowledge.

Spiritually, Nigele was a Nez Perce Dreamer, often seeking solace and guidance by going to sweat with his Papa Skip.

Left to cherish his memory are his fiancée, Jessica Fernandez, his daughter Amera Jordan Michelle Williamson and son, Malcolm Anthony Williamson. He is also survived by his siblings: Brooklyn Williamson, Courtney Dozier, Blue Guang, LaKisha Williamson, and Kayden Williamson; and his parents: Zanette Waites, John and Lisa Williamson. Nigele was a lifelong member of the Lightning Creek Boys and the Hurricane Creek Singers.

One of Nigele’s proudest moments was attending the Native American Music Awards in Salamanca, NY, where Lightning Creek received four nominations. Another significant point of pride in Nigele’s life was his service on the Lewiston Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Meeting Deb Haaland, the Secretary of the Interior, was a significant highlight for him. Above all, his pride and joy were his children, and he was renowned as the best uncle to all his nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services:

Memorial, Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at the Pineewaus Community Center & funeral services is Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Pineewaus. Burial to follow at the Lapwai Cemetery and dinner to follow at the Pineewaus. Laurie Ann Cloud and Del Rae Kipp are the Head Cooks and Brooklyn Baptiste is the Head Digger.

In Nigele’s memory, let us remember the love he spread & the lives he touched. His legacy lives on in every heart he touched.