Wanda Tippett

FAY “MAMMIE” TIPPETT

Wanda Fay Nixon Tippett, 86, of Georgetown, went to be with the Lord Friday, May 16, 2025 at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital following a brief illness.

From a young age, her parents, Jesse and Haskel Nixon, recognized her musical and artistic talents and enrolled her in piano lessons. As a teenager, she and her sisters became known as The Nixon Trio, performing at their hometown church in Madison, Tennessee. Their talent led them to the historic Ryman Auditorium, where they took part in all-night Southern gospel sings alongside many famous gospel quartets of the 1950s.

Fay graduated from Madison High School in 1957 and went on to attend the prestigious Vanderbilt Peabody College in Nashville to further her studies and passion for music. That same year, she married Ben Tippett and began a life devoted to both family and ministry. In 1962, they moved from Nashville to Southington, Connecticut, to enter full-time ministry. While there, Fay joined the New England Opera Association and also earned her LPN certification in nursing.

In 1966, the family returned to Nashville briefly before moving in 1967 to Jacksonville Beach, Florida, where they began ministry at the Jacksonville Beach Assembly of God. Fay also shared her love of music by teaching lessons at the Jacksonville Beaches Piano Company.

In 1970, a new opportunity led the family to Palatka, Florida, where she taught music at Briarwood School and completed her Associate of Arts degree at St. Johns River Community College. In the late 1970s, Fay moved into her beloved A-frame home on the St. Johns River, where she lived until the age of 79. Her deep love for the river made it hard to leave, but when the time came to be closer to her daughter, she found a new home—a small apartment overlooking the river at the Towers in Jacksonville. She remained there until April 5, 2025, when she moved into assisted living in Georgetown, Florida. After suffering a fall on May 15, she passed away peacefully one day later.

Fay loved life and lived each day to the fullest. Her love for others never wavered. Known for her stylish hats and signature red lipstick, she left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Beautiful inside and out, she will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her three children: Sarina Tippett McClelland (Jimmy), Benny Tippett, and Timmy Tippett; seven grandchildren: Michael Raburn, Scott Tippett, Neil Depiesse, Jeremy Tippett, Kristin Ferrill, Daniel Tippett, and Michael Posten; and seven great-grandchildren: Kenlee Raburn, Canton Raburn, Paisley Tippett, Emilia Tippett, Timothy Tippett III, Nolan Ferrill, and Kamryn Ferrill. She is also survived by her sisters, Joyce Ervin (Boyd) and Pat Clark, along with three nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Haskel Nixon; the father of her children, Ben Tippett; two great-grandchildren, Kace Raburn and Micaiah Tippett; and her nephew, Adrian Clark.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 30th, at 11:00 AM at Masters Funeral Home in Palatka, Florida. Visitation and viewing will take place prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and all family and friends are warmly invited to attend. Burial will follow in Palatka Memorial Gardens. The service will be livestreamed and may be accessed online at service time at: vimeo.com/mastersfuneralhome.

Messages of sympathy may be shared on Fay’s online tribute page at: themastersfuneralhome.com.

Masters Funeral Home of Palatka is in charge of arrangements.

Mammie Service Hat Request – In honor of Mammie’s vibrant spirit and timeless elegance, we invite you to wear your fanciest hat. Let your hat be a tribute to the grace, creativity, and style she brought into all our lives…with love and gratitude, Mammie’s dearest family and friends.