Sonja McGinnis Goins

Sonja Lou McGinnis Goins passed peacefully into Heaven on July 14, 2025 at her loving and devoted son’s home in Bonita Springs, FL. She was born on January 1, 1939, at her home in Cherryville NC, to the late Ernest Lee McGinnis and Annie Mozelle (Leatherman) McGinnis. In addition to her parents; she was preceded in death by her brother, William “Bill” McGinnis, and her nephew, Michael “Mike” McGinnis.

She is survived by her children, Cheri Goins Eidson (Bruce) Dudley of Bolivia NC and John Roy (Sheila) Goins of Bonita Springs FL. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Taylor (Michael) Matthews of Walnut Cove NC, Patrick (Jordan) Eidson of Conover NC, Carrie (Justin) Grundt of Knoxville TN, Johnathan Goins of Collierville TN, Jason (Brianna) Goins of Collierville TN, Joey Meadows of Carrollton KY, Rebekah (Ruben) Lopez of San Miguel de Allende MX, her Niece, Amanda McGinnis of Spartanburg SC, Great Niece, Katherine (Aaron) Dufour of Brooklyn NY. Cousins: Debbie Beam Austin of Cherryville NC and Sam (Kristin) Beam of Cherryville NC and 19 Great Grandchildren and 6 Great-Great Grandchildren.

Sonja Lou McGinnis Goins was born in 1939 and contracted polio as an infant. A determined, strong-willed, and loving woman, she spent her life as a proud survivor, never allowing her early challenges to define her. 

She was raised in the warm, close-knit town of Cherryville by a devoted and compassionate family. From a young age, Sonja chose not only to persevere through adversity, but to live joyfully and fully. She faced life’s trials with grace and grit—raising her son and daughter as a single mother while working multiple jobs—and did so with unwavering strength and cheerfulness.

Sonja was a woman of deep faith, a devoted mother, a gentle matriarch, and a loyal friend. Her kind heart and radiant spirit touched everyone she met. She truly lived out a legacy of loving others unconditionally.

A proud graduate of Cherryville High School’s Class of 1957, Sonja remained close to many of her classmates. She enjoyed a long and fulfilling career in fiber optics manufacturing at Corning Optical Communications in Hickory, NC, where she worked with pride until her retirement at age 62.

Sonja was a gifted artist and a natural nurturer. She found joy in helping others and was known for her humility, gratitude, and grace. Her home was a place of warmth—filled with delicious food, heartfelt conversations, laughter, and her ever-present welcoming smile. She especially loved spending time with her family and cheering enthusiastically for her beloved Duke basketball team.

Sonja will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of faith, resilience, and unconditional love will live on in our hearts—forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hope Hospice at 27200 Imperial Pkwy, Bonita Springs, FL 34135.

A Celebration of Life and Receiving of family and friends will be held at Carpenter-Porter Funeral and Cremation Services; 1100 E Main St Cherryville NC 28021 on Saturday, August 9th at 2:00-2:45 with a Service of Remembrance at 3:00 in the Carpenter-Porter Funeral Chapel, followed by a Graveside Service in Cherryville City Cemetery.

Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com