Rita Haywood Wiggins was born in Texarkana, Texas, on April 16, 1953, to Nathan Haywood, Sr. and Thelma Duncan Haywood.

She confessed her faith in Christ at a young age and stood firm on His Word as she fought the good fight and finished the race. Rita was a devoted member of the Macedonia Baptist Church, where she served as a deaconess.

Rita was a graduate of Texas High School and East Texas State University-Texarkana (currently Texas A&M University-Texarkana) where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resource Management.

Rita married the love of her life, Charles Wiggins, on November 24, 1972, and to this union, they became the blessed parents of two daughters, Angela and Carla.

For 31 years, Rita built a career at Red River Army Depot. She then decided to continue her education by attending New Mexico State University, where she studied Information Management and obtained an Associate's Degree. Throughout her work with the federal government, she participated in numerous government leadership programs and excelled in her career.

Rita loved to read, shop, and travel, but she treasured spending time with her family and friends the most. She was an active member of the Kappa XI Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Nathan and Thelma Haywood; brothers: Troy and Nathan Haywood, Jr.; and sisters, Dr. Bobbie J. Haywood, Maxine Haywood, and Patricia Hall.  Rita's life and legacy will forever be cherished by her husband of 47 years, Charles; her two daughters, Angela Wiggins and Carla Wiggins Nelson; two grandchildren, Spencer Charles and Ryann Nicole Nelson; four sisters:  Mary Tisdale (Charles), Marye Wright, Darlene Haywood, and Nathelma Taylor; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

She will be dearly missed but lovingly remembered as she enters Heaven's gate and finds comfort in His presence.

Viewing for Mrs. Wiggins will be 5 – 7 PM Monday, August 10, 2020 at the Macedonia Baptist Church. Celebration of Life will be 11 AM Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at the Macedonia Baptist Church with burial following at Chapelwood Memorial Gardens. Online registration is available at www.haynesmortuary.com