A beloved resident of Seven Lakes, North Carolina, Tonya Matthews Godwin, has sadly passed away on January 17, 2026. At the age of 55, she departed peacefully surrounded by family, leaving a legacy of gratitude and resilience after a 20-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Born on October 1, 1970, Tonya grew up embracing life’s possibilities with an optimistic spirit that inspired those around her in the serene Sandhills community.
Tonya married Rodney Godwin, sharing 32 years of devoted partnership filled with love and shared adventures. She poured her heart into raising daughter Kori Rhew, married to Capen, and son Kain Godwin, nurturing bonds enriched by family closeness and mutual support. As a daughter to Glenn and Sonnie Matthews, Tonya carried forward familial warmth that strengthened ties across generations in Seven Lakes’ welcoming neighborhoods.
An athletic and vibrant woman, Tonya taught exercise classes, delighting in guiding others toward health and vitality with her energetic encouragement. She loved boating on local lakes, hiking scenic trails, and traveling with loved ones, creating memories filled with laughter and discovery. Her passion for water skiing and coaching neighborhood children in watersports reflected a joyful lifestyle centered on outdoor freedom and mentoring the young.
Despite the progressive challenges of Multiple Sclerosis, Tonya faced each day with unwavering thankfulness, teaching everyone to find the best in every situation through her quiet strength and positive outlook. She lived fully, prioritizing gratitude and presence amid adversity, offering inspiration to family and friends in a community valuing resilience.
Tonya’s gentle spirit and generous heart left subtle impressions of kindness, fostering connections built on empathy and shared joy in everyday moments. Her approach to life balanced personal contentment with the warmth of community involvement, contributing to the supportive atmosphere of Seven Lakes through thoughtful care and encouragement.
Tonya Matthews Godwin’s legacy stands as a heartfelt tribute to a life well lived, one enriched by devoted family love, athletic passion, and the gentle impact of gratitude amid trials. A visitation at 3:00 p.m. and celebration of life at 4:00 p.m. are scheduled for Friday, January 23, 2026, at Seven Lakes Baptist Church, 1015 Seven Lakes Drive, West End, with a reception following. In Seven Lakes, her memory inspires continued appreciation for lives rooted in quiet strength and enduring warmth.