Addie Elizabeth Mix

Addie Elizabeth Mix was born on November 23, 1939, in Pheba, Mississippi, to the loving union of the late Tommie and Maudine Quinn.

At an early age, Addie accepted Christ and was baptized at First Baptist Church of Pheba, Mississippi. Growing up, she was respected by all in the community and was affectionately known as "Lib." She attended Beasley High School, where she was an honor student and avid reader. Addie later attended Mississippi Valley State University, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business, and went on to receive her Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Governors State University.

While attending Mississippi Valley State, Addie met James Mix. He saw her and knew he wanted to get to know "the beauty with the big pretty legs." To this day, he still fondly remarks about those legs. Addie and James married, and from this union two children were born: Tracey Lynne and the late James DeCarloe. In 1963, Addie and James relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where they joined St. Mary's M.B. Church. Addie served faithfully in the church choir and was a devoted member of the hospitality team. She later moved her membership to Victory Apostolic Church in Matteson, Illinois, where she worked in various aspects of ministry. Her greatest passion was teaching Sunday School, and she remained a dedicated member in good standing until her passing.

In 1991, tragedy struck when Addie's son James was violently murdered while on his college campus. From that grief, Addie and Gloria Randolph-who had also lost her son, Sean Carter, to a similar tragedy-founded RAY (Reclaim A Youth). Though overcome by loss, these two mothers sought to bring hope out of tragedy and to reclaim the lives of youth in their community. God used RAY to support and uplift young people and minister to those who felt hopeless or helpless.

RAY assisted hundreds of youth through its many programs, including the James Mix and Sean Carter Scholarship Program, the Annual College Orientation Forum, the Grief and Loss Ministry, Boys Empowerment Programs, Youth Early Intervention, and Beauty Inside/Out. RAY also hosted an annual fundraising gala to support scholarships and community initiatives.

Addie was a catalyst for change. Alongside Connie Clery, she took concerns about college campus safety to the federal level, where they spoke before Congress. Their perseverance led to the passage of the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act, designed to improve campus safety by requiring colleges to publish statistics related to acts of violence on their campuses. In 2018, Addie was honored by the Clery Center Organization for her advocacy and contributions toward the Act.

Professionally, Addie dedicated over 40 years of her life to teaching. She shaped young minds in the Maywood, Hammond, and Blue Island school districts. After retiring, Addie continued serving her community tirelessly-supporting the school board, comforting grieving families, and imparting wisdom to young people. She also assisted with a community service project that earned Glenwood, Illinois, the Governor's Hometown Award in 2011. The project was recognized for its volunteer impact, response to community needs, and overall contribution to the town.

Addie was the cheerleader of her family. She encouraged and motivated them to pursue their dreams, believing that knowledge and education were key to achieving them. She helped with college applications, wrote recommendation letters, and even accompanied family members on college visits. Addie stayed in touch, prayed with them, and celebrated their successes with great joy.

Addie entered eternity on Saturday, October 4, 2025. She is resting with our Lord and rejoicing in her new heavenly home.

Her memory will be cherished by her devoted daughter, Tracey Mix-Mays (Julius); her adoring grandchildren, Serena Boyd, Michael Tapia, Asia Ellis, James Mays (Gabriella), and Olivia Ryan; her brother, Louis Quinn; her sister-in-law, Lois Quinn; her loving godchildren, Velecia Houston, Nicole Mitchell, Aaliyah Weston, Cordell Weston, Raymond Davis, and Destiny Houston; her great-grandchildren, Jocelyn, Jayden, and Jayda Tapia; and a host of other loved ones, church family, and friends-including James Mix.

Addie was preceded in death by her parents, Tommie and Maudine Quinn; her son, James Mix; her sisters, Ella "Frankie" Cherry and Sarah Mays (Andrew); and her brother, Tommie Quinn.