Wanda Cody Matthews

Wanda Marie Cody Matthews, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away Thursday, November 6, 2025 in the comfort of her home. She was born, October 5, 1947 to the late Daniel Webster and Emma Lou Cody in Knoxville, Tennessee. Wanda, also known as “Bossie”, was a proud graduate of The Austin High School Class of 1965. She also attended courses at Draughon’s Business School, Knoxville College and The University of Tennessee. When needed, she used her acquired knowledge and skills to serve as a substitute teacher at Apostolic Christian School. Wanda embraced her Christian faith from a young age, long before becoming a beloved member of the First Apostolic Church congregation. She lived with quiet grace and simplicity, guided by a deep commitment to Biblical principles and the enduring love of God. One of her greatest joys was celebrating the spirit of Christmas year-round — through her love of gift giving, gospel music, and Hallmark movies, she found delight in keeping the season alive every day. Having previously met her husband during her days at Knoxville College, Wanda and Sherman Matthews reconnected in the seventies and joined in marriage in 1975. The family they created was one of the most important and meaningful parts of Wanda’s life. She loved to bring family together in celebration at every opportunity. Wanda was preceded in death by husband, Sherman Matthews; parents, Daniel Webster and Emma Lou Cody; siblings, Clementine Cody, Joe Daniel Cody, Sr., Louis Webster Cody, and Essie “Neal” Washington; sisters-in-law, Barbara Duncan-Cody, and Joyce Delois Bruce; brothers-in-law, Lonnie Matthews, and Hosie Matthews; parents-in-law, Charlie Broward and Ethel Mae Matthews and many other cherished family and friends to include “The Class of ’65 Girls”, Judy “Prissy” Walker Porter, Janie “Smiley” Knuckles, Dora “Do” Hill Gash, and Gwendolyn “Kitten” Rivers. She leaves to cherish her memory: sons, Charles Daniel “Danny” (Crystal) Matthews, Elan Cody Matthews, Sherman Authur “Sam” Matthews; much loved grandsons, Cody and Carter Matthews; brother, Homer L. Cody of Memphis, TN; aunt, Thelma Rose Bivens, St. Paul, MN; cousin, Cecilia Ealey; brothers-in-law, Leroy (Cynthia) Matthews, Marion (Jackie) Matthews of Fort Pierce, FL; sisters-in-law, Sandra (Lawrence) Cain, Pearl (Clarence) Liverpool, Gwendolyn (John) Morris, Cheryl (Chris) Handy, and Dena Matthews of Fort Pierce, FL; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins to include devoted nieces and nephew, Emma (Coatney) Cody-Mitchell, Nikkii Cody, Jeffrey Cody, and Joseph Kimbrough; former sister-in-laws, Patricia Sawyer, Ernestine Cody, Donna Ferguson; and many well-loved special and devoted friends including Denna Loop, Denise Maupin, Sandy Perry, Linda Moran Moore, and Denota Fain. Wanda Matthews’ homegoing service is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 at First Apostolic Church, 5020 Pleasant Ridge Road, Knoxville, Tennessee 37912. Online viewing is being planned via the church website. Family Visitation will be from 5:30 - 7:00pm, with service to follow immediately. Interment will be Friday at 1:00pm, at the Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 5901 Lyons View Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Apostolic Christian School in memory of Wanda Matthews. Rose Mortuary, 6200 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919, is in charge of arrangements.

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Wanda Cody Matthews

October 5, 1947 - November 6, 2025