Layne Rayder

Layne Rayder passed away Aug. 29, 2022. She was born to Jan and Nancy Rayder on Sept. 15, 1962.

She is survived by a brother, JW Rayder, his wife Helene, and a niece, Virginia, of Maryland. She is also survived by an aunt, Linda Hicks, of Gosnell, and a cousin, Trudy Landry, of Blytheville.

Layne was a graduate of Arkansas State University with both a Bachelor and Master of Science in Education. She taught at the Osceola School District as the 6th and 7th grade science teacher and was the science chairperson. She was later the science chairperson/teacher and Odyssey of the Mind coordinator at Mississippi County Christian Academy. She was a veterinary’s assistant where she learned to care for animals and suture open wounds. She worked as a midnight DJ while she was in college at Middle Tennessee State University. She began her adjunct career at Arkansas Northeastern College in 1992, became a full-time faculty member in 1997, and Assistant Professor of Life Science in 2019.

Layne loved to travel. She had been to Europe several times and enjoyed Italy the most. She was involved with the choir at the Blytheville First Methodist Church along with the ANC Community Choir. She was in several concerts; you could see her enthusiasm in her expression.

Layne dedicated her life and career to teaching. She expected the best from her students and would not allow them to underestimate their ability to achieve their goals. She understood that many of the students entering the ANC nursing program had challenges to overcome. She was their mentor, coach, and cheerleader – and they loved her for everything she did to help them be successful. We will never know the full impact she had on the healthcare profession, but her knowledge and passion will carry on in her students forever!

Services will be privately held by the family. Condolences may be offered at carneyfuneralhome.com.

Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Northeastern Community College, the Blytheville First Methodist Church or any other charity of your choice.