Rita Chaffin

An only child, she was born Rita Diane Sims on December 5, 1945 in Zanesville, Ohio to Howard Edwin and Mary Francis Sims. Rita is preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 45 years, John Kent Chaffin. She is survived by her two children, John Jason Chaffin of Lenoir, NC and Mary Jessica Brown of Wilmington; her daughter-in-law Patricia Chaffin and son-in-law Mark Brown; and four wonderful grandchildren: Jake Croker, Eva Brown, Sydney Brown, and Cole Brown.

Rita Chaffin grew up in Zanesville, graduating from Zanesville High School in 1963. She then attended Ohio University and graduated with a degree in education. A lifelong educator, Rita taught 7th and 8th grade language arts classes for almost four decades, beginning her career in Fort Lauderdale, Florida before moving with John back to his hometown of Windsors Crossroads, NC in 1970. Rita taught at West Yadkin Elementary in Hamptonville and during this time earned her masters degree in education from Appalachian State University. In 1989, the Chaffin family relocated to Wilmington where she continued her teaching career at Myrtle Grove Middle School until her retirement.

In addition to being a dedicated educator, Rita was also active in her church communities as a member of Central Trinity Church in Zanesville, Zion Baptist Church in Union Grove, NC, and Masonboro Baptist in Wilmington. As a member of these churches, Rita had the opportunity to embrace and exercise her love of music, frequently performing solo as a vocalist and as a choir member. Rita was also a member of the Wilmington Choral Society.

Rita was a dedicated mother and grandmother who always encouraged her family members to further their education, read good books, and enjoy good music. She also enjoyed spending time at the beach and on the boat, soaking in the sunshine she loved so much.

A celebration of life will be held at Masonboro Baptist Church on December 19 at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.