Tribute to Tami Kaiser
Tami Kaiser was always brimming with vivacious energy and ideas, and she was equally generous with her time, expertise, and resources. She grew up in Aurora, IL, and went on to earn an undergraduate degree from Miami University and a master’s from the University of Memphis. After she finished her education, she enjoyed a career as a human resources executive in the hospitality industry, leading human resource development for Red Lobster/Darden Restaurants for 14 years and for Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, Homewood Suites, Holiday Inn, and Harrah’s Entertainment for 20 years.
Eventually, she and her husband, Jim, established themselves in Orlando, where they and their daughter, Jen, became longtime members of the First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. Over the years, she enthusiastically embraced many roles, one of which was happily serving as an elder at our church.
After retiring from her career in human resources, Tami felt she had the bandwidth to do more for her church and community—and so she did.
In her “encore” career, Tami provided consulting services to nonprofits and served in volunteer leadership for Lifework Leadership - Orlando, Women Doing Well, the National Christian Foundation - Orlando, The Collaborative; and Samaritan Village. And of course, she joined the Heart of the City Foundation Board of Trustees in 2013, serving for many years as Secretary and Mission Chair.
On November 10, 2024, Tami passed away. As a testament to the impactful life she lived, some of us at the Heart of the City Foundation wanted to share some words about Tami:
Michelle Jernigan, board member, says, “As a Christian, we all want to leave this earth hearing the message contained in scripture (Mathew 25:23): ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things…’ The Lord surely put Tami in charge of many things, and I am confident that she heard those words as she entered the Kingdom of Heaven.
“Tami was a remarkable woman, and I got the opportunity to see her spirit of generosity and the many gifts she possessed during her service as chair of the Missions Committee with the Heart of the City Foundation. Her approach was kind, discerning and always seeking to further the Kingdom of God. Tami will be missed terribly and remembered joyously.”
Ellen Arnold, board member, shares, “Tami Kaiser always made herself available to help with people and events. She came to all the Samaritan Village fundraisers starting years ago at the breakfast events at FPCO, and up to this November 6 at the evening Winter Park Event Center. Tami also helped giving to Samaritan Village from the Frances and Russell Douglas Freedom Fund at HOCF. And she was on the Samaritan Village Advisory Council.
“Tami's real love was putting on events at her house like the Journey of Generosity and Women Doing Well. She encouraged many people to come to the Lord, and they were so grateful. I will truly miss her, as so many people will; mainly her husband, Jim, and her daughter, Jen. Tami is for sure happy in heaven with Jesus, and her sister and mother and other family members. Praise be to God.”
Suzi Shirley, Foundation Coordinator, says, “I have known Tami for many years, and she was a wonderful friend and mentor to me. She served on numerous boards, including Heart of the City Foundation, Lifework Leadership, J4 Leaders, and The Collaborative Orlando, and so many more. Tami was a devoted woman of faith who inspired countless lives with her generosity, kindness, and infectious smile. Her legacy of honoring God and helping others will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.”
Tami leaves behind her husband, Jim, and their daughter, Jen.
During the COVID-19 years, she shared her testimony of how she came to First Presbyterian Church of Orlando and to the Heart of the City Foundation with Foundation Director Dennis Brockman for a Testimony Tuesday that didn’t get the chance to air. If you would like to watch it, click here.
