Nikki Jean (Payne) Birdsell

NIKKI BIRDSELL

JERSEYVILLE – Nikki Jean Birdsell, 78, passed away at 11:15 a.m., Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at her residence in Jerseyville.

She was born on May 25, 1947 in Litchfield, Illinois to the late Charles and Irma (Golike) Payne.

Nikki devoted many years to shaping young minds as a dedicated teacher in the Southwestern School District. After retirement, she went on to become the Student Teacher Supervisor at Blackburn College.

Outside of the classroom, she found her greatest joy in meaningful moments. She loved a good book, sitting down for a friendly game of cards, and filling her home with music as she played the piano.

Family was always at the center of her world. She was extremely proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, celebrating every milestone big or small. No birthday ever passed without one of her famous homemade pies, always made and delivered with a smile.

She is survived by her two daughters, Tricia Miller of Jerseyville, and Stevi “Birdi” (Joshua) McAdams of Jerseyville; 11 grandchildren, Nick (Macy) Miller of Jerseyville, Brandon Scheldt of Delhi, Andrew Miller (Shelby Bork)  of Denver, CO., Timmy Scheldt (Fiance Sydney Cullen) of Jerseyville, Kedrin McAdams, Cearin McAdams, Aylin McAdams, Ebrin McAdams, Andrin McAdams, Orion McAdams, and Sevin McAdams, all of Jerseyville; 4 great-grandchildren, Max Miller, Harper Miller, Charlotte Scheldt, and Tatum Scheldt; as well as a life-long friend, Craig Eades.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Kelly Scheldt on August 6, 2020; as well as a sister, Gail Payne.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville,

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Riverbend Humane Society.

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