Rita Robertson Layman

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”—Matthew, 25:21

Rita Robertson Layman, 62, went to her heavenly home on February 26, 2026, in Orange Park, Florida, surrounded by family and friends following a tragic accident while on vacation in St. Augustine, Florida on February 12, 2026. She was a faithful woman that clothed her family in God’s love and taught others by example how to trust God in every season. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, aunt, sister, and friend, her life was a testament to God’s love.

Rita was born on August 15, 1963, to Taylor and Mayree Robertson and was a lifelong resident of Rocky Mount, Virginia. As a steadfast and committed daughter, she provided care for her parents until their final days. The bond she shared with her siblings, Ronnie, Becky, and Robert, was unbreakable. Rita never wavered when her family needed her and selflessly answered any call for help.

She graduated from Franklin County High School in 1981 and was a supporter of the Eagles for years through her children and grandchildren’s athletic, academic, and artistic pursuits.

One of her greatest earthly joys was bringing her sons, Billy and Chris, into this world in 1982 and 1984, respectively, and she poured into them her wisdom, love, and made numerous sacrifices that have not gone unnoticed. Anyone that knew her understood how proud she was of their service to their country and the men they have become.

In 1983, Rita began to work at the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Rocky Mount, Virginia, where she devoted over 30 years of service that included management of the DMV in Martinsville, Virginia. It was through this employment that she came to know many members of the Franklin and Henry County communities.

In May 1991, Rita began dating the love her life, Derron Layman. On July 7th, 2002, Rita and Derron exchanged vows in front of God, family, and friends at their home. They celebrated 23 years of marriage on this earth. Aside from her faith, Derron was the rock and foundation on which she stood. They shared many fond memories from traveling the world through various mission trips, vacations, hockey games, even working together at Layman Electric and Plumbing following her retirement from the DMV, but mostly importantly, she was deeply honored by the love he shared for their family. She proudly proclaimed that his unwavering faith and work ethic was a shining example for her sons and grandchildren. Rita was eternally grateful for the dedication he consistently shows for them.

Stepping into the role of “MeMe” was cherished by Rita. Aside from her sons, her grandchildren were her heart outside her body. Her dedication to her five grandchildren was unsurmountable. Not only did she ensure they were brought up in church but provided countless hours of support through their school endeavors, fundraisers, sporting events, pageants, rides to and from school, and loving advice. Rita was respected and loved by her grandchildren’s teachers, coaches, friends, and families.

Rita and Derron were baptized and joined Redeeming Life Church PHC in September 2002. She provided immeasurable hours of service. Rita helped organize and lead fundraisers including The Lord’s Acre Sale, Blue Ridge Folklife Festival, Antique Farm Days, Mystery Dinner shows, and Christmas plays. Rita held bible studies, taught Sunday School, cleaned, always looked forward to taking the youth to Accelerant in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, annually. Her void is felt, and she will be deeply missed by her church family.

Rita is preceded in death by her parents, Taylor Robertson and Mayree Tosh Robertson, brother, Robert Robertson, and great-nephew, Carson Altice.

She is survived by her husband, Derron Layman; two sons, Billy Riddle (Tara) and Chris Riddle; five grandchildren, Caedyn Riddle, Chloee Riddle, Claire Riddle, Benjamin Riddle, and Ella Riddle; sister, Becky Pruitt (Barry); brother, Ronnie Robertson (Marea); special sister and brother, Sheila and Steve Dillon; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Judy and David Layman; brothers-in-law, Sheldon Layman (Robin) and Steven Layman (Sherri); sisters-in-law, Jenell Wolf (Shannon) and Rita Filburn (Laban); many Layman family nieces and nephews; Robertson family nieces, Jessie Gray (Austin) and Casey Altice (Josh); Robertson family nephews, Josh Pruitt (Tabitha) and Andrew Robertson (Analisse), special nephew Cameron Dillon; several great nieces and nephews; special cousin, Merle Meadows, and special friend, Lori Davidson, along with many other special friends and colleagues, in addition to numerous others that have loved and supported Rita through the years.

The family would like to thank HCA Florida Hospital and Gentiva Hospice in Orange Park, Florida for the loving care they provided to Rita and the family. From the many Intensive Care Unit (ICU) doctors and nurses that provided around the clock care to the palliative care team led by Dr. Georganna Rosel to the hospital chaplain, Reese Edwards, the family is indebted to your service.

Funeral services will be held at Redeeming Life PHC, 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 6, 2026. Interment will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park. Her family will receive friends 2-4 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Thursday at the church. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.