Rita Lynn Gaither

Obituary for Rita Lynn Gaither

Rita Lynn Gaither, age 76, of Lancaster, South Carolina, peacefully entered eternal rest on June 16, 2025. She was born on June 13, 1949, in Chester County, South Carolina, to the late Rosie Mae Johnson Lynn and the late John Henry Lynn Sr.

Rita was a proud graduate of Elizabeth Heights High School, Class of 1966. She was a devoted member of Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church, where her faith remained strong throughout her life. Rita was known for her vibrant spirit, love for line dancing, and her fondness for classic westerns. One of her greatest joys was watching her favorite television show, Perry Mason. She also found joy and fellowship as a member of the La-Hi Women’s Club. She worked forty-one years at Grace Bleachery where she formed lifelong friendship with many of her co-workers and ten years at A Step Above, child care center, where she was known as Ms. Rita. She loved all the children and her co-workers.  She loved line dancing and could move with the best of them.  Shopping was one of her favorite pastimes.  She and Kina would tear those malls up!  She loved to dress and did it well.  Spending quality time with family and friends brought her so much joy.

Rita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Gaither.

Cherishing her memory are her loving children: one son, Reginald Woodard (Audrey) of Lancaster, SC and daughter, Quarkina Marshall (Rev. Buster) of Lancaster, SC. She is also survived by her devoted sister, Victoria Lynn Ingram (Larry) of Fort Lawn, SC, and her brother, John H. Lynn Jr. (Lillian) of Greenville, SC.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, TyheseWoodard and Myeesha Woodard; her great-grandson, TylenWoodard; and her stepson, Darren Watts. She also leaves to cherish her memory her godson, Nicholas Ingram.

Rita's extended family includes brothers-in-law: Robert Davis,Sr. of Fort Lawn, SC; Jerry Gaither (Eleanor) of Texas; James Gaither of Heath Springs, SC; Dennis Woodard (Janet) of Charlotte, NC; and John Woodard (Carrie) of Fort Lawn, SC; sisters-in-law: Martha Lynn of Lancaster, SC; Helen Williams of Fort Lawn, SC; and JoAnn Gaither of Heath Springs, SC; and her loving aunt, Betty Buchanan of Fort Lawn, SC.

She will also be fondly remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other cherished relatives and friend.

She was preceded in death by three sisters, Edna Davis, Valorie McIlwain, Judy Dover, two brothers William Lynn, Adam Lynn Sr.

Rita Lynn Gaither will be remembered for her kind heart, warm smile, and unwavering love for her family and community. Her memory will live on in all who knew and loved her.

"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." — 2 Corinthians 5:8

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