Brenda Gail Fountain (Kitchens) Hale's Obituary
Born: November 29, 1948 in Valdosta, Georgia. Died May 30, 2020 in Lakewood, Washington at 71 years old, from heart failure after a brief illness.
She was preceded in death by her parents Virgil and Lois Fountain. She is survived by her loving husband of 27 years, Walter A. Hale, Jr.; two beloved daughters, Michelle R. Hilger and Donielle M. Carper; dear sons-in-law, Sean Hilger and Timonty Carper; three cherished grandsons, Tyler J. McMahan, Ryan S. Hilger, Cody R. Perkins; as well as her three living step-children, a number of step-grandchildren; and a growing number of step-great grandchildren, all of whom she adored.
Brenda grew up in Hahira, Georgia and lived what people today call a charmed life, running barefoot in the red Georgia clay. Attending Hahira High School was a highlight in her life that lead to lifelong friendships. —She remained friends with all of those beautiful ladies until the day of her death. —She called them “my girls,” and longed to be back home with them sipping sweet tea and eating warm biscuits.
After high school, she married her childhood sweetheart, MSgt. Tony M. Kitchens (deceased) and had her two daughters. She worked in Remerton, Georgia at the Strickland Cotton Mill with both of her parents before her husband’s US Air Force career relocated them to Tacoma, Washington, where she continued to raise her daughters while making mattresses at Spring Air Northwest.
She married the love of her life, Walt, in 1992 and for 27 years they enjoyed traveling around the Northwest, hunting, fishing, and loving on their yellow labs Beau, Blitz, and Blue. They were content to watch T.V. and spend as much time with all of the children and grandchildren as possible.
She enjoyed her Seahawks football (Sorry! Atlanta), tinkering in furniture refinishing, crafts, and watching Bob Ross paint “happy little trees.” Her love of his show lead her to paint her own masterpieces, now much beloved by her friends and family. To her surprise, she was actually quite good at it.
She was a beautiful woman with a huge smile, quick laugh, and even after 44 years in Washington a faint Southern drawl. She was the epitome of Southern Grace. She loved nothing more than spending time with family — she particularly adored her girls and the three grandbaby boys (now nearly grown men), and their trips to the beach and up into the mountains.
She is so dearly loved, and so deeply missed... until we meet again.
What’s your fondest memory of Brenda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Brenda?
Share a story where Brenda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Brenda you’ll never forget.
How did Brenda make you smile?

