HAMPTON — Hannah Naomi Goodwyn, 39, experienced God’s complete healing Friday, March 5, 2021.
A verse that the Lord used to minister to Hannah as she walked out the duality of her journey, was Psalms 30:5, “Weeping may last for the night, but Joy comes in the morning.” She acknowledged the complexity of our humanness as God created us, to both hold great grief and pain in the same moment of peace and joy. Grateful to the Lord that He provides the opposing experiences of the peace and joy when the storm looms and seems to bring with it only fear and pain. Her faith was a foundation that she built her life upon.
She was born Friday, March 20, 1981, in Newport News to David and Susan Goodwyn. Full of grace, Hannah exemplified the meaning of her name in every aspect of her life. With a beautiful smile on her face, she stepped out into the world seeking to learn and tell the stories of the people and the countries she experienced. Her passion for adventure beckoned her to the many travels and explorations of new places, both professionally and personally.
Entertainment became an interwoven element of Hannah’s life from a young age. The love for entertainment she held was expressed early on through a pursuance of dance, favoring ballet and tap, Hannah attended the Betty Smith School of Dance for 13 years. Storytelling was her gift, she dreamt of becoming a writer and screenplay writer, desiring to use the medium of the screen to give life to untold or little known stories.
“She inspired me to” is a phrase often coupled with the memories of and impact felt by those who loved and knew Hannah in life and continues to the legacy in her passing, for others to pursue their dreams and passions, to truly live their life.
In 1999, Hannah became a graduate of Bethel High School. Continuing her education, she attended Christopher Newport University as a communication studies major, with a minor in writing, graduating cum laude in 2003. Followed by, graduating summa cum laude with a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Regent University in 2005, additionally earning the Outstanding Student Award.
Employed by Christian Broadcasting Network from 2005 until 2019, Hannah delighted in the opportunity her position provided her, placing her in unique experiences as she reviewed films and interviewed actors, directors and others in the entertainment field. Committed to the Lord’s leading toward the entertainment field, she completed multiple graduate-level screenwriting courses, before taking a step of faith in 2019.
In 2019, she set out to live her dream, applying to and studying screenwriting at the London Film School. In the midst of Hannah’s passionate pursuit to become a full-time storyteller, she discovered her own unexpected battle with cancer. As she chronicled her story, the development of her character was evident. A magnification of an already growing spirit of faith in the Lord, grace and beauty, while facing life’s joys, journeys and unexpected battles.
She was preceded in death by her younger brother, Nathan Goodwyn; paternal grandparents, Hilton and Rebecca Goodwyn; and maternal grandparents, Raphael and Sarah Velma “Mema” Piland.
Hannah is survived by her parents; siblings, Abigail Hockett (James), Joshua Goodwyn (Devon), Zachary Goodwyn and Rachel Krock (Randy); paternal aunt, Rebecca Goodwyn; maternal uncle, Rueben Piland (Judy); aunt, Rachael Patchett (David); step-grandmother, Erline Goodwyn; niece, Olivia Hockett; nephews, William Goodwyn, Zachary and Alexander Krock; as well as numerous cousins, other relatives and dear friends.
A celebration of life service will be held in person and live online at Liberty Live Church, 1021 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 10.
We are working on a livestreaming option for those unable to attend. Please check here for more details on how to register for either the in-person or online options.
Flowers are welcome at the celebration of life service. Hannah loved roses and carnations. Additionally, in lieu of flowers, you are welcome to donate to one of Hannah’s favorite charities, Joyful Heart Foundation, Charity: Water; and Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, Children’s Cancer Unit, Norfolk. For CHKD, please be sure to designate donations to the Children’s Cancer Unit.
Share online condolences with the family at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park.
