Rita Elizabeth Nelms Haynes
December 1, 1937 ~ November 29, 2025
Resided in:
Vienna, Virginia
Rita Elizabeth Nelms Haynes
1937 – 2025
Rita Elizabeth Nelms Haynes, 87, of Vienna, Virginia, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she leaves behind a distinguished legacy of service, creativity, and compassion.
Born on December 1, 1937, in Montgomery, Alabama, Rita pursued her passion for academia at Florida State University, where she earned a degree in Education. While in Florida, she met her husband, William “Bill” Preston Haynes, Jr. The two were wed in 1961, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned 64 years.
Rita supported Bill through his early career with the FBI, with the family eventually settling in Fairfax County, Virginia. There, she dedicated 25 years to the Fairfax County Public School System as a beloved elementary school teacher at Spring Hill Elementary. Following her tenure in education, she embarked on a second successful career as a real estate agent. Upon retirement, she and Bill returned to Florida, enjoying many years in the Nocatee community. Rita was admired for her artistic talent as a painter, her affection for her Boston Bull Terriers, and her profound generosity; she was a woman of deep empathy who frequently opened her home to those in need of shelter and support.
Rita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Preston Haynes, Jr. She is survived by her three children: Lynne DePaso (Tommy) of Vienna, VA; William Haynes (Deb) of Falls Church, VA; and Scott Haynes (Debbie) of Glen Allen, VA.
Her memory is further cherished by her six grandchildren: JP DePaso (Bonnie), Jeff DePaso (Alek), Matt DePaso (Dan), Jonathan Haynes, Joshua Haynes, and Sam Haynes; and her two great-grandchildren, Sophia and Henry DePaso.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rita’s honor to Food for Others at foodforothers.org.
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