Mary Frances Kitchens, 88, of Fernandina Beach, Fl passed away Sunday, May 1, 2022 at the Warner Center for Caring.

Born in Jacksonville, she was the daughter of the late William H. and Maggie Mathis Green. She grew up in Jacksonville and graduated from John Gorrie High School as part of the Class of 1950. Mrs. Kitchens married her husband, Hilton Leon Kitchens, Sr. in 1949 and they moved to Fernandina Beach in 1950.

Mrs. Kitchens was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach and also a member of the Woman’s Club of Fernandina Beach.

She was a homemaker and was devoted to her family and her home. Her giving spirit was an example to her children, and they grew up. That same spirit extended beyond her family to others she was able to help. It was said of her, “she would give you the shirt off her back”, sometimes when she didn’t really have a shirt to give. Mrs. Kitchens was also an animal lover. She always had a beloved dog and a few cats which she seemed to dote over, nearly as much as her family.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Kitchens was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Hilton Leon Kitchens, Sr., a son, Hilton Leon Kitchens, Jr. and a granddaughter, Stephanie Collier.

She leaves behind her children, Michael Kitchens and Juanita (Cliff) Smith both of Fernandina Beach; a brother, Billy (Debbie) Green, Jr. of Fernandina Beach; five grandchildren, Christopher Kitchens, Randy Kitchens, Michelle Miller, Marissa Wells and Stephen Collier; ten great grandchildren; and two “on the way” as well as an extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mrs. Kitchens will be held Tuesday, May 3, 2022, beginning at 1:00 PM in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors with Pastor Frank Camarotti officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM until the hour of the service.

She will be laid to rest beside her husband in Bosque Bello Cemetery.

In her memory, those who wish may make donations in her name to First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach or the American Cancer Society.