Braxten I’Yanna Ll’Nece Goodwin, 24, transitioned to eternal life with the Lord on Monday, Aug. 2, 2021. She was born to Tamika Goodwin, on March 21, 1997 in Kansas City, Kan.
Braxten grew up in the church and knew who God was at an early age. She enjoyed getting involved in her church by being a praise dancer, singing with the children’s choir and being active on the step team. She would also often do sermonettes
She attended N.E.K.A.P at the age of 4, then attended the Leavenworth Public schools. At the age of 5 she began playing Little League basketball at the Community Center from grades 1 - 6, but during that time she played for the Lady Tigers as well. In 2008 she received the Kiwanis Reading award for outstanding reading in her grade. She was an avid reader and had a thirst for knowledge. She also played her first traveling basketball game with the AAU. Braxten was the youngest and the smallest on all the teams. In the 5th and 6th grades, Braxten played with the Pioneers. She also played with CYO league, during the summer.
During her 7th and 8th grade year, Braxten played with the Leavenworth Tornadoes and the Lady Tigers. During the summer she played with Warren Middle School summer league and Kansas Force until the 9th grade. Braxten was unbeatable and was always the heart of the team. She matched everything from head to toe, her headband all the way down to her shoes and socks! She was a beast on the court!!!
Braxten was a member of the Student Council while at Warren, a Pioneer Ambassador, played basketball and was in band, playing the alto saxophone. Her great grandmother, the Late Kathryn Daniel was over joyed when Braxten rendered a selection during her 75th birthday celebration.
As a freshman at Leavenworth Senior High Braxton continued playing basketball as point guard for the Leavenworth Pioneers, playing in the band and was inducted into the National Honor’s Society in 2013. While in band, she became one of the “section leaders”.
In April of 2013, as a sophomore Braxten was taking college courses in which, she aced them all. Still playing basketball and band, she remained on the Honor roll. In Her Junior year she was Prom Princess. She has received numerous, awards, certificates and trophies!
Braxten graduated from Leavenworth Senior High in 2015 with honors. Immediately after graduation she continued her education at Lincoln University in Columbia Mo., where she studied and received her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She was placed on the Dean’s list throughout her college years. She graduated from the University in 2019.
Her academics and ministry were enhanced by the loyal and loving support of her family. She was a loving and generous spirited young lady. Braxten loved being with family and friends but her number one passion was the LA Lakers. Her favorite player was Kobe Bryant.
Braxten was no stranger to hard work. Her spirit was undeniable and addictive! She was such a kind hearted and giving person. She was loved by, and impacted the lives of so many people.
Braxten leaves to cherish her memories; a daughter, Nova Harris (22 months); a newborn son, Levite Goodwin; her mother, Tamika Goodwin and father, Cameron Horton of Kansas City, Mo. and Mike Richardson of Columbus, Ga,; a sister and one brother, Cameron “CJ” Goodwin; five aunts, Lisa Moore and Michelle Ross both of Baltimore, Md.; Tamara Goodwin and Melody Gordon both of North Kansas City, Mo., and Tylesha Goodwin of Kansas City, Kan.; three uncles, Lloyd Goodwin Jr. Kansas City, Mo., LaJuan Goodwin of Overland Park, Kan., and Tyrone Goodwin of Leavenworth, Kan.; her maternal grandparents, Denise and Allen Moore of Lansing, Kan.; her paternal grandparents, Bishop Lloyd and Pamela Goodwin of Kansas City, Mo.; her companion. Eric Harris of Kansas City, Mo.; her godparents, Michael Hill of Kansas City, Mo. and Felicia Allen of Leavenworth, Kan.; numerous great aunts, great uncles, cousins and a host of friends.
She was preceded in death by her maternal great-grand parents the late Rev. Claud Daniel Jr. and Kathryn Daniel; her paternal great grandparents the Late Elder Julius Goodwin and Ruby Goodwin; and an aunt, April Yvonne Marie Goodwin.
Her spirit and contagious smile will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, at Pentecostal Church of Apostolic Faith in Leavenworth. Burial will follow at Mt. Muncie Cemetery.