On February 26th, 1974 in Houston, TX, a Beautiful Star was born to Eldridge Ross III (Baby Ross) and Betty Jean Savoy Ross. Her mother named her Nikki Le’Shae Ross. Nikki was born with the gift of singing, playing, and composing music. Since the age of two years old, she was able to sing, with a range that surpassed most. Weekly, she attended choir rehearsal with her mother at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church. She sang solos and led songs with the youth and mass choirs, under the leadership of Sister Pat Jones. Nikki Loved to Sing; awakening the neighbors daily, by giving concerts on the front porch of her great-grandmother (Ella’s) home. Her costumes were her mother’s gowns and wigs, and her microphone was a broomstick. By the age of eight, Nikki was able to make her own recordings. She would lead the song, sing the alto, soprano, and tenor sections separately, and bring forth into a complete collaboration. She could hear a song and play it on her keyboard. During her first piano recital, Nikki played the entire theme song to ‘Sesame Street’. Mrs. Lewis explained to the audience that she did not teach her the song. The Musical Queen arrived at the school of music with this selection already in her musical memoir.

Nikki attended Temple Oaks Baptist School, John F. Kennedy Elementary School, Ruby Sue Clifton Middle School, Alexander Hamilton Middle School, and Booker T. Washington High School. She continued to render concerts, singing solos at every school she attended. Eleanor Brackins Lee was her Musical Mom at B.T.W. and life-long mentor. Singing, playing, composing, leading and directing was Nikki’s life. At the age of 16, she served at Willing Workers Baptist Church as the lead musician of their mass choir, for eight years. In adulthood, Nikki achieved her Musical Dreams singing with several professional groups, both locally and abroad. She also served numerous churches, Good Hope, St. Stephens, Antioch (Downtown), and Calvary Baptist Church and at the time of her passing New Jerusalem Cathedral Churches of Sound Doctrine in Greensboro NC.

From a child, Nikki Ross noted Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, The Clark Sisters and Houston gospel singer Bettye Ransom Nelson as her influences. Known in the gospel music world for her perfect pitch and unmatched vocal ability, Nikki was also known for her ability to play the piano and organ. She was a vocal arranger having worked with many artists in the gospel industry including PJ Morton, Robert Glasper, Kim Burrell, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Smokie Norful, Martha Munizzi, Earnest Pugh. Shaun Martin, Gary Mayes & Nu Era, and many more. She served on the music staff of BET's Sunday Best and appeared on the Harry Connick Jr. show performing The First Noel earning his respect claiming her to be one of his favorite musicians.

Nikki traveled all over the globe and was a longstanding force in the Houston Texas gospel music arena. She recorded internationally as a featured vocalist and background singer. Her best-known recordings include "There Is No Way", "He's Been Just That Good" and "I Surrender All" with Ricky Dillard & New G; "Make a Sound" with James Fortune & FIYA; "Yes" with The Walls Group; “I Really Love The Lord” with Donald Godbolt & Spiritual Gifts, Otis Brown III's gospel medley "I Love You Lord/We Exalt Thee/In the Beginning" and on "I Am Your Song" and "Sunday Kinda Love" with Israel Houghton, Aaron Lindsey and PJ Morton issued in connection with the film I'm in Love with a Church Girl. Nikki also contributed vocals to Franklin's 2007 album The Fight of My Life. The album subsequently won the 2009 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album.

Although Nikki Ross was widely known for supporting other artists, she also pursued a solo career. In 2011 she prepared a live recording in Houston and described her planned sound as a combination of gospel, jazz, praise and worship and other influences. She released her songs "Ready for Change" in 2014 and "God Is Able" in 2021. She described it as a testimony about questioning and understanding her purpose while recognizing that God had not left her. She continued recording while experiencing health problems, including an appearance on gospel singer Trent's "Beautiful Day". Her final public appearance was at the 2026 Gospel Music Workshop of America convention.

The Musical Queen was dearly loved all over the world. She leaves to treasure her memories, devoted husband Tyrone Bellamy, sons Joah Ross, Howard Turnley, bonus children JaQuarius Bellamy, Ava Bellamy, and Kia Palmer; grand-daughters Ariah J. Ross and Samiria Palmer; God-son Xachari Davis; parents Betty/Harry McGinnis, mother-in-law L. Emmaline Bellamy, aunts and uncles Shirley/Jimmie Cooper, Theodore Isom Jr., James L. Ross, Geneva/Willie Johnson; God-mother Bettye Nelson, sisters Crystal Ross/Hope McGinnis, bonus siblings Todd Bellamy, Taurus (A’nary) Bellamy, Tyna (Larry) Redmond, Sheldon (Tammy) Cuthrell, Bishop O’Deshea (Jacqueline) Cuthrell, Candris (Julian) Gillespie, and Prophetess Sharice Cuthrell; a host of nieces and nephews including special niece Bevyn Ross. Her special friends and unwavering supporters include Reverend and Sister Oliver, Margaret Shephard, Alicia Walls, Faith Anderson, Ebony Baker, and Eric Henry. She also leaves behind a host of family members, her NewJC church family, acquaintances and friends.

A memorial concert will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026 at New Jerusalem Cathedral, 1822 Sharpe Road, Greensboro from 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm.

A homegoing celebration will be held on Saturday, August 29 at New Jerusalem Cathedral; visitation with the family begins at 11:00 am followed by the service at 12:00 pm.