Linda Mix, of Cookeville, Tenn., died Aug. 7, 2014, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. She was born April 6, 1950, in Robbinsdale, Minn., to Claire Harriette Jones Mix and the late James Harry Mix.

Miss Mix graduated from St. Olaf College in 1972, and sang in the famous St. Olaf Choir. She later attended Mankato State and obtained a teaching degree. After moving to Cookeville, she served the Upper Cumberland Region for many years with the Safe and Drug Free Schools initiative. She was a gifted trainer of youth and adults in the areas of drug and alcohol abuse prevention and mediation. Miss Mix was instrumental in the development of Project Graduation for the middle Tennessee region, a program that has continued, for more than 17 years, to give high school seniors a safe alternative for celebration of their graduation. From 1999 until spring of 2014, Miss Mix served as executive director of Mediation Services for Putnam and Overton Counties.

Her many loves and interests included music, playing guitar, animals, gardening, antiques, laughing, and dancing. She collected bells and was a talented artist with a paint brush on canvas and furniture refinishing — enjoying these activities with her coffee mug nearby. She will be fondly remembered as a caring, loving mother and friend who was willing to offer her assistance and support at any time.

In addition to her mother, Miss Mix’s family includes a daughter and son-in-law, Becca and Shawn Watson; a brother, Jim Mix; two sisters, Deb Blattman and Judith Mix Kuesel ’68; six grandchildren, Shawn Douglas Watson, Christopher Thomas Watson, Adrie Johnson, Ryker Johnson, Isaac Andrews, and Coleman Andrews; two special daughters by choice, Jessica Johnston and Melissa Andrews; and her best friend of 46 years, Deborah Speese-Linehan ’72.

Miss Mix’s family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Bank of Putnam County in Cookeville in her name, or to community outreach issues close to her heart: The Arbor Foundation, prevention of cruelty of animals, domestic violence, and children’s advocacy.