Naomi was born March 8, 1937 and peacefully passed August 18, 2024 at the age of 87 with her loving family members by her side. She is survived by 3 children: Verna (Dave) Boyles, Denise (Randall) Brooks, Lance (Karen) Swinney. Naomi and Robert have 13 Grandchildren and numerous Great Grandchildren.
Naomi was the 6th of 12 children born to William and Bertha Hanna. She grew up in what her family called the “Bottoms of Hasima (Sweeny, Texas). Naomi always had siblings to play with and chores that had to be done with such a large family, they all pitched in and worked together. Always laughing and joking to make their tasks easier. Sundays were always family together days.
Everyone met at their home to share meals, visit, sing gospel hymns, play the piano and other instruments. They played dominoes and there was always laughter and great memories made.
Naomi attended elementary school in Sweeny, Texas and couldn’t miss a day as her mom was the bus driver and the school’s lunch cook. She attended an Van Vleck High School and was a baton twirler for the school’s marching band. Naomi’s older brother Ray met Robert Swinney while in the Air Force and invited him to join the family for Thanksgiving dinner and to meet his sister Naomi. Naomi and Robert married June 6, 1953. Robert was still in the Air Force, so Naomi lived with his parents until he returned from Japan and finished his tour of duty in Tucson, AZ. Naomi went with Robert wherever his wondering heart led them. In 1961 they settled in Janesville to raise their family.
Naomi was always busy. She loved to make clothing for herself and daughters and granddaughters. She made Spiderman, Peter Pan, and the Hulk costumes for grandsons. Every hunting season Naomi looked forward to being home alone with her kids so she could paint the inside or wallpaper or rearrange furniture. Naomi loved to attend sports and watch her son’s baseball, football games, and wrestling meets. She was there to cheer him on. They spent many times watching and cheering on their grandkids’ sports.
Naomi loved all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. They all brought her so much joy and put smiles on her face.
Naomi was known as “Nanny” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren and all of their friends. She was known for her kind heart and always there to help an underdog. Naomi’s sense of humor and quick wit made her a joy to be around. She always made us laugh. She was loved by her nurses her last week, even though she wasn’t feeling well. They said they wished all their patients were as sweet as her.
We are all so blessed to have had her in our lives and always in our heart. She will be missed by all that knew her.
Services to be held September 8, 2024 at Sentimental Journey in Janesville at 2:00 PM.
