Amanda Gayle Kitchens O'Brien

AMANDA GAYLE KITCHENS O'BRIEN, 62 LAKELAND - Amanda Gayle Kitchens O'Brien died peacefully Saturday morning, September 13, 2014, surrounded by her admiring family. A truly remarkable woman is gone. Gayle was born 62 years ago in Polk City, Florida, the second of four much-adored children. Her mother, Alma Kitchens, firmly believed that Gayle could move the world and taught her the value of family and good manners. From her father, Bill Kitchens, Gayle learned the value of work, and that, 'a job poorly done might as well not be done.' His mantra that 'when someone gives you a dollar to work, you give him two dollars' worth of results and you will always have a job,' became her work ethic. But more than anything else, Gayle's parents gave her an unbreakable, unquestioning love for family, the iron rod that sustained her throughout her lifetime. At the age of 15, Gayle went to work through a high school work/study program at Polk County Teachers Credit Union and there she stayed, climbing her way up the ladder. Perhaps because she grew up joyfully competing with and loving her adored big brother, Pete, and perhaps because her father expected the best from all of his children, Gayle developed a forte for problem solving. She never met a problem that she couldn't work through and often came up with better and more efficient ways to operate as a result. During her 47 years, she worked in almost every area from branch operations to managing various departments within what is now known as MIDFLORIDA Credit Union. In her last 15 plus years, she worked to build and/or renovate almost every branch within its network. In 2013, Gayle retired as the Chief Administrative Officer of the nearly $2 billion credit union. It was a direct order from her too-tired lungs. Married to Phillip O'Brien for more than 20 years, this personality-filled couple could have ruled the world, but instead, they chose to care for it. Gayle, you see, never met a good cause she couldn't champion or saw a wrong without attempting to right it. She was tough as nails on the outside, but was secretly a kind, generous and thoughtful woman. Most of her causes never met her and never knew who provided those countless baby clothes, medical help, flights home to see a sick family, Easter baskets, Christmas turkeys, school supplies, money to finish school and so much more. Her heart was golden and in constant motion. She gave more than she had. She loved quietly and with intensity. Gayle's capacity to care had no limits. Throughout her life and regardless of what she focused her energy on, her five-foot four-inch frame could (and often did) command an army. She worked hard; she always kept her word and was totally unaware of her own accomplishments. Most of all, she had the courage and determination to do her best and be herself. She loved family, orchids, babies, gardening, reading (thrillers only), the beach and good wine. When asked how she might want to be remembered, Gayle offered this: 'I don't say things that are in my heart. I grew up in a world where what you did was more important than what you said. But I have had the best of friends and family and they will know it. My MIDFLORIDA work family gave me unforgettable memories. I count on them to know.' She continued, 'I would hate leaving my three sisters: Jean Whittle (Irvin), Billie Jo (Kitchens Hartley) and Emma (Smith), but I know they will carry on, because family is everything-and of course, they know I'll be watching! I am most proud of my three wonderful nephews, Peter Kitchens, Tony Kitchens (Kaila) and Sligh Hartley. Peter and Tony, you grew up well and watching you grow kept me young. Sligh, you gave me constant joy. You are on your way to the top; know that I will be cheering you all the way, picking you up when you make mistakes-and of course, pushing you to keep moving forward. I will hug Mama (Alma Kitchens), Daddy (Bill Kitchens), Pete (Kitchens) and Courtney (Powell) in heaven. I will tell God that I tried to give life my best and I pushed you all to do the same. She'll understand.' As a family, we would like to thank the multitude of people who gave Gayle's life such blessing. These last years with COPD were not easy but her friends, her caregivers and especially her MIDFLORIDA family were always there for her. There are countless accolades available, but perhaps the most powerful is the truest: Gayle will be missed. Gayle Kitchens O'Brien is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Alma Kitchens, her brother, Pete Kitchens, and her niece Courtney Eva Powell. A celebration of Gayle's life and service will be held at Gentry Morrison, 1727 Bartow Road, Lakeland, FL, 33801 on Sunday, September 21, 2014, at 3:00 p.m.

Amanda Gayle Kitchens O'Brien

January 25, 1952 - September 13, 2014