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FRANKLIN – Vivian W. Goodwyn began her earthly journey in Braddock, Pennsylvania on April 9, 1954 to her father Louis ‘Bucky’ Williams and mother Doris O. Ruffin. Vivian was surrounded by family and community love during her formative years in Windsor, North Carolina and Franklin, Virginia. Vivian began her heavenly departure on Dec. 22, 2022 while resting peacefully in her home, encircled by her devoted family.

Vivian was an outstanding student attending the Isle of Wight school system. Vivian excelled in academics and friendship. Vivian began her employment with the bank where she became a beloved employee and first African-American to be employed with The Bank of Franklin. Vivian remained within the banking community for 45 years and retired in November 2015.

Vivian married the love of her life, Anthony Goodwyn, on Dec. 16, 1972. Of this blessed union Sharon, Antoinette and Anthony Jr. were born. The family thrived in the Franklin community. Anthony became the pastor of Old Cool Spring Baptist Church November 1985 and New Hope Baptist Church July 1989. Vivian began her storied duty as first lady of both houses.

Vivian was preceded in death by her father, Louis Williams; her stepfather Thomas Ruffin; her mother, Doris Ruffin; her grandmother, Catherine Tropier; her father-in-law, Otis Goodwyn and her brother, Kevin Ruffin.

To cherish her memory, she leaves her husband, the Rev. Dr. Anthony Goodwyn Sr.; daughters, Sharon Goodwyn (Raymond) of Richmond, Virginia and Antoinette Goodwyn of Richmond, Virginia; son, Anthony Goodwyn Jr. (Ida) of Courtland, Virginia; siblings Thomas Ruffin Jr. (Brenda) of Windsor, North Carolina, Bettina Faison of Owings Mills, Maryland, Karen Ruffin of Oxon Hill, Maryland and Sandra Hopkins of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She leaves her mother-in-law, Irma Goodwyn of Boykins, Virginia, a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A public viewing for First Lady Goodwyn will be held at the funeral home on Friday from 3 – 7 p.m. A celebration honoring her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31 at Apostolic Faith Church of God, 608 Oak Street, Franklin, with the Rev. Dr. Randolph Rylander delivering the eulogy; Overseer Ronnie Warren is pastor. The committal and benediction will be follow in Branchville, Virginia at Galilee Church Cemetery. Service provided by the professional and caring staff of Wm. M. Johnson & Sons Funeral Home, Inc., 224 South Main Street, Franklin, VA. Please share your condolences with the family at wmjohnsonandsons.com.