Bennie Kay Roberts O'Brien

Bennie Kay "B" Roberts O’Brien, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, left our presence on June 24, 2024, at the age of 81 after a life well lived with selflessness and kindness. Known for her “salt of the earth” approach to life, her commitment to family, and 35 years of unwavering dedication to special education, “B” was a giver and touched hundreds of lives over the years.

Bennie Kay was preceded in death by her parents Benjamin and Lunett Roberts, her sister Gloria Howell, her brother-in-law Thomas Howell, Sr., her brother-in-law Rodney Fields, and her nephew Benjamin Fields. She is survived by her sister Carole Fields, her sons Matt O’Brien (Sarah) and Chad O’Brien (Kristi), along with her adoring grandchildren Ava Katherine O’Brien, Benjamin Thomas O’Brien, Josephine Grace O’Brien, and Mark Joseph O’Brien. Her many nieces and nephews were equally loved and cherished, Rodney, Lisa, Roddy, Ryan, Rebecca, Julianne, Jason, Cole, Clemetine, Ellison, Patrick, Sam, Lily, Tommy, Ashley, Charlotte, Tommy, Grymes, Dixon, Katie, Paddy, Wescott, and Mara.

Bennie Kay was born on July 2, 1942, in Tampa Florida to Benjamin and Lunett Roberts. She attended H.B. Plant high school where she was a cheerleader. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Education from the University of Georgia as well as her master’s degree in Speech Pathology from the University of South Florida. Bennie Kay went on to teach Special Education and Speech Pathology for Hillsborough County Schools for over 35 years. Much of her teaching took place at Roosevelt Elementary School where she maintained countless relationships with her colleagues and students for decades. Her role as teacher, friend, and trusted advocate never ended. She was deservedly named 1998 Hillsborough County Teacher of the Year for her tireless efforts.

“B” was born, raised, lived, worked, and passed away in her hometown of Tampa, Florida. She was a member of the Tampa Yacht and Country Club, The Chiselers, The Junior League of Tampa, and The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Her greatest accomplishment and joy came from being a mother and grandmother. She relished being a fixture at her son’s and later her grandchildren’s volleyball, baseball, dance, golf, and cheerleading events, and loved chasing them all around at the beach.

Throughout her six-year battle with Alzheimer’s, “B” was well cared for by Veronika Wells. Veronika’s compassion, dedication, and love for Bennie Kay was driven by her deep faith in God, and she was a true blessing to “B” and her family.

The family will hold a memorial service for Bennie Kay on July 17, 2024, at 2:00pm at St. Andrews Episcopal Church.