Melinda Ann Mays-Smith

Melinda Mendy Nix Mays-Smith, 48, of Callahan, was called home by her Lord and Savior on January 19, 2012 after a long illness. Mendy was born March 18, 1963 in Jacksonville. Mendy is predeceased by her father, Homer C. Nix, Jr. and her grandparents, Homer and Helen Nix and George and Edythe Turknett. She is survived by her sons Chandler and Austin Mays, mother June Nix, sister Kathy Nix, nephew Alec Sanchez, loving husband Dallas Smith and former husband Ed Mays. Mendy followed a career as a Labor and Delivery Nurse at Memorial Hospital with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Suma Cum-laude) at the University of North Florida, and completion of the program at Frontier School of Midwifery in Hyden Kentucky. She became an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner and a Certified Nurse-Midwife, touching hundreds of mothers and families with her love and skill. She was forced to retired after a health crisis and a critical auto injury. Mendy's family will celebrate her life with a private memorial service on Saturday, February 4, 2012. Memorial contributions in Mendy's memory may be made to an infant focus project: Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition www.nefhealthystart.org. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207. (904) 346-3808. www.hardage-giddenshendricksave.com