Tonya Matthews Godwin, 55, of Seven Lakes, was set free and entered heaven on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 17, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.
Throughout her 20-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis, Tonya never stopped giving thanks and living life fully. She taught everyone to see the best in every situation.
Tonya was raised in Angier by her parents, Glenn and Sonnie Matthews.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by her loving husband of 32 years, Rodney Godwin; two children, Kori Rhew (Capen) and Kain Godwin (Cruz); one brother, Nicholas Matthews (Jennifer); granddaughter, Elianna; also survived by many other loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.
Tonya’s dedicated caregivers, who are like family now, supported her throughout her journey, and the family is so grateful for them.
Tonya was a strong, athletic woman who taught exercise classes, loved boating, hiking, and traveling with her family and friends. She was an avid water skier, and then the neighborhood “coach” for all the kids wanting to experience watersports. Her drive to keep going never stopped and she continued to hold her top spot on the podium as the “best mom.” She was willing to travel wherever Rodney would take her, often watching sunsets from the boat and chasing their children across the country in their RV. She was truly a light in everyone’s lives, and she will be greatly missed.
Tonya’s family sang to her in her final hours and her mother prayed for her through the end gate. Her ski course of life is complete and there is no doubt that she heard the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
A visitation at 3 p.m. and a celebration of life service at 4 p.m. will be held on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 at Seven Lakes Baptist Church (1015 Seven Lakes Drive, West End, NC, 27376), with a short reception to follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Accessible Transitions, a nonprofit inspired by Tonya supporting individuals with severe disabilities at https://secure.givelively.org/donate/accessible-transitions
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Seven Lakes.
