City of Annapolis Mourns Passing of Influential Community Leader Dee Goodwyn

The City of Annapolis is mourning the passing of Dee Goodwyn, a lifelong resident, influential community leader, and widely respected advocate for unity and public service.

In a statement, Mayor Jared Littmann reflected on Goodwyn’s life and contributions, describing her as a personal friend and a devoted wife, mother, and accomplished professional. De Lorma “Dee” Goodwyn was born in Annapolis and was a graduate of Annapolis High School and the University of Maryland. Mrs. Goodwyn is survived by her husband, George; her daughter, Duewa White; and her brothers, De Wayne Knight, Equavian Knight, and Leonard Knight.

Goodwyn was deeply committed to serving her community. She was a founding member of the Caucus of African American Leaders and led efforts to establish the Guardians of the First Amendment Memorial in downtown Annapolis, honoring the journalists and staff killed in the 2018 Capital Gazette shooting.

Ms. Goodwyn also championed the Parren J. Mitchell memorial located outside the Pip Moyer Recreation Center on Hilltop Lane. Her public service included serving on the City of Annapolis Human Relations Commission and, more recently, the Anne Arundel County Personnel Board. Known for her warmth and ability to bring people together, Goodwyn is remembered for her brilliant smile, distinctive personal style, and for making others feel welcomed and valued. During a time of national division, she was recognized as a unifying presence within the community.

"I had the privilege of meeting Mrs. Goodwyn shortly after becoming Pastor of the Historic First Baptist Church of Annapolis. Our first meeting took place at a Caucus of African American Leaders gathering in February 2024," said Dr. Mark Wainright. "Mrs. Goodwyn was a longtime and faithful member of Asbury United Methodist Church, where her discipleship and devotion were nurtured and expressed. I also count it a sacred responsibility to serve as the pastor of her brother, Equavian Knight. Though they worshipped in different congregations, both lived out a shared commitment to God with diligence and distinction, demonstrating that faithful service transcends denominational boundaries."

Dr. Wainright said he had the honor of working alongside Mrs. Goodwyn through the Coalition for Atonement and Repair, where she embodied Resilience and Transformation. "She understood that truth-telling is holy work, that repair requires courage, and that healing a community demands both moral clarity and compassion," Dr. Wainright said. 

Among her many initiatives, Goodwyn organized the Michelle Obama Awards, which in 2019, marking the 100-year anniversary of women’s suffrage, recognized women in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County who were engaged in meaningful but often unheralded community work.

Carl Snowden, Convener for the Caucus of African American Leaders, released the following statement to Report Annapolis News:

"Dee Goodwyn was one of those rare human beings who combined her passionate belief with action. Her legacy is in what she did, not what she said. Her accomplishments included being a founding member of the Caucus of African American Leaders and building memorials to preserve the history and culture of Black people in the City of Annapolis. She was my closest confidant. Tears, not words, describe best this sad moment for me, her family, friends, and a community that she loved with all her heart and soul."