Melinda Nix Chavez

Melinda Nix Chavez, 74, passed away after a long illness on August 21, 2018 with her daughters at her bedside. We are heartbroken to see her go, but at last she is now in peace. Melinda was preceded in death by her husband, Timothe Chavez, in 2012. She is survived by her daughters, Lavinia Criswell (Jeff Nemyo) and Deirdre Knapp (Donnally Bailey); her brother, Gilmer Nix (Kimberly); her nephew, Christopher Nix and his family; her sister-in-law, Ann Irvine; along with Denise Chavez, Michele Chavez, Mary Chavez and their respective family members. Melinda received her undergraduate degree in History from Emory University and her graduate degree in Medieval British History from the University of Virginia. Mom has had a long career in education and the cultural arts in Tampa, Florida. Melinda was a teacher and administrator at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa from 1965 through 1985. As far as her arts career, Melinda was Curator of Education at H.B. Plant Museum, followed by Executive Director positions at Ybor City State Museum, Tampa Bay Business Committee for the Arts, and Florida Museum of Photographic Arts. Mom was either Chairman or a board member of nearly twenty cultural arts entities in the Tampa Bay area over the course of her work career. In lieu of funeral services (which she expressly did not want), we will be hosting a party in Mom's honor at the home of Deirdre Knapp from 3pm to 5pm on Saturday, October 6, 2018. For those wishing to attend and to receive directions to the party, please email Lavinia at [email protected]. And finally, we wish Mom and Dad forever joy in Heaven, we will see you again, and please know we love you with all our hearts.