Alice Gayl Christie

Tampa, Franklin - The world is a little less vibrant today with the death of Alice Gayl Christie, who left this world too soon on October 31,2008.

Born September 25th, 1957 in Dawson, GA. Her parents are Pierce and Hilda (Gaylord) Christie of Plant City, FL.

One of Gayl's most stellar accomplishments was raising her two sons, Pierce and Tedder Bridges, both currently pursuing undergraduate degrees.

She graduated from Berkeley High School in Tampa, completed an undergraduate degree at FSU and a masters degree at William and Mary College in Va. Gayl used her graduate training, as well as a soulful gentleness to work with people living with HIV/AIDS.

Generous to her core, Gayl lived bigger than life. She poured her love onto family and friends in ways that were creative, funny, smart and caring. Everyone who encountered Gayl was struck by her infectious laughter, rapier wit, and clever observations. Never at a loss for words and never shy, Gayl possessed a refreshing honesty which often landed her at the center of controversy and political debate.

As beautiful outside as she was within, Gayl's legacy is one filled with loving-kindness. A lover of travel, she left traces of herself in the hearts of those she encountered on each journey. There's a little cabin in North Carolina that blooms in the springtime and explodes with color in the fall with the love she poured into the garden. Multi-talented and multi-faceted, Gayl's passing has left a hole in our hearts. She'd instruct all who knew her to fill that place with love and laughter.

She is missed deeply by family: her parents, her sons, her loving sister Jewell and her partner Linda.

Respectfully the family asks Gayl's generous spirit be honored, not with flowers, but with donations to the Tampa Theatre, Lee Academy (Tampa), or a charity of your choice.

Friends are welcome to celebrate Gayl's life on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the Blount & Curry Funeral Home at 605 S. MacDill Ave, Tampa (813) 876 - 2421.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.

Online condolences are available by visiting www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.