Mercina "Baye" Rimes Nix

Mercina Rimes Nix, affectionately known as "Baye" and "Mommy Dearest", was born on December 19, 1934 to James and Lillie Mae Rimes and raised in Leesburg, Florida. Mercina attended the Lake County Training School where she was known for her commitment to high academia, and graduated with honors. She and her sister Mozella Allen served as members of the girls basketball team. Mercina often reminisced about these times and spoke proudly of her sister's high accolades as a star scholar- athlete. In fact, Mercina cherished and loved all of her siblings. When her mother passed away at an early age, Mercina adored her father, affectionately known as Papa, who raised her and her sisters and brothers as a single parent. Mercina went on to attend Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, Florida where she pursued a degree in elementary education. She later attended cosmetology school in St. Petersburg, Florida and graduated with a professional cosmetology certificate. Mercina was joined in holy matrimony on August 17, 1969, to Joseph Nix, and journeyed to the Mt. Dora community, where they became vibrant members of Bethel Independent Free Methodist Church. For decades, she was recognized as a pioneer and pillar within the Mt. Dora community. She was a licensed master cosmetologist and entrepreneur of her own proprietorship, Mercina's Beauty Salon. Over the years, she and her devoted husband Joe, pursued several other successful business ventures. Mercina established a blueprint that was later duplicated, by her loving daughter and caretaker, LaShaune R. Manning. Mercina served in the Lake County School System as a teacher's assistant and long-term substitute teacher at Mt. Dora Middle School. She was once her son's 6th grade substitute Civics teacher for a semester due to a maternity leave. Mercina always exuded a profound love and magnetism for kids. She provided child care for a number of infants and toddlers who still fondly embrace special memories. For many years, Mercina and Joseph were foster parents to Erica and Desi, who still live in the surrounding community. Mercina Nix received her heavenly wings with great peace on Friday, May 3, 2019 at 11:30 p.m. Mercina's departure, is a deep loss to her family and friends. She leaves a void but will live eternally in the hearts and spirits of all who loved her. Glory be to God! Mercina was preceded in death by her husband: Joseph Nix, brothers: Vasco Rimes, Wilbur Rimes, Coram Rimes and Randolph Rimes; sister: Erma Charp. She leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted and loving daughters: Sharon Dianne Moton (O.C) of San Antonio, Texas, LaShaune R. Manning of Mt. Dora, Florida; son: Derrick C. Manning (Kimberly) of Atlanta, Georgia, brother: James Rimes of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; sisters: Mozella Rimes Allen of Leesburg, Florida, Geraldine Youmans of Atlanta, Georgia and Hazel Rimes of Leesburg, Florida; grandchildren: Christopher Moton of Frisco, Texas, Jamaal Schofield of Mt. Dora, Florida, Jharri Manning of Pompano Beach, Florida, Jhamarri Manning of Atlanta, Georgia and Kimberly and Kirsten Webb, both of New York City, New York; brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Tributes

Mercina "Baye" Rimes Nix

December 19, 1934 - May 3, 2019