John
A. Goodwyn, Jr., was born in Burkeville, Alabama, April 14, 1955, to
John, Sr., and Ida Goodwyn. John was the third and only son of five
children. Affectionately known to some as “Bro” and to others as
”Lil John”, John was a fun-loving and, at the same time, no-nonsense
person. He made an impact on anyone’s life he touched. He was a
devoted Christian and knew without a doubt that God was his higher
power. Through all of his struggles he leaned on his faith and
never let go.
John was baptized at
an early age at Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church under the
leadership of Rev. B. T. Nelson. During his adult life he attended
many churches but chose Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church to
rededicate his life to Christ and be re-baptized. He then became a
member of Second Zion Spiritual Temple under the leadership of
Bishop Jimmie L. Brown, Sr. There he became a member of the Male
Chorus.
John studied and
received his high school diploma from the Cleveland Extension High
School. He then went on to graduate from King Hills Center at
Southern Ohio College and received a certificate in private
security. He was in this line of work for more than twenty years.
In 2008, he went to Y-Haven and graduated from the Y-Haven Green
Team Janitorial Program. Anything he wanted to do he didn’t stop
until it was fulfilled.
John loved family
gatherings and gatherings with friends (especially friends he grew
up with). He loved being with all of his nieces and nephews, but
was overjoyed with the greats! He is definitely missed in all of
our lives.
John leaves to
cherish his memories his parents, John and Ida Goodwyn; four
sisters, Elizabeth “Ann”, Janie, Blanche “Renee” and Cynthia, all of
Cleveland, Ohio; a special aunt, Mary L. Harris of Cleveland, Ohio;
two brothers-in-law, Milton Lewis and Terry Lewis, both of
Cleveland, Ohio; nieces and nephews, Rashaun, Sharita (Roger, Sr.
“Rico”), Ramia (Malachi), Geoffrey, Mario, Mallanna and Gerrikka,
all of Cleveland, Ohio; great nieces and nephews, Jevan, Shanii,
Sebron, Terryia, Mahdi, Roger, Jr. “Lil Rico” and Machai, all of
Cleveland, Ohio; also four special friends, Kenneth Stokes, Will
Kelly, Martha Nichols, Julie Brown; and a host of cousins, other
loving family and friends.
