April 10, 2024, 63, Goldsboro —

Jonathan Eric Woods, 63, left his earthly body and came face-to-face with Jesus on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born in Wooster, Ohio to Gary Woods and Joy Yeatts Meeks on March 28, 1961, and raised in Eden, NC. Eric had courageously battled cancer three times over a 22-year period. He had won two rounds before this latest battle left him so tired and weak. In the end, he was ready to go home where he was welcomed with arms wide open by his Lord and Savior and all those saints that had gone before him. Eric was preceded in death by his stepfather, Jerry Meeks; nephews, Jacob Woods and Quentin Coffman, and fathers-in-law, Greg Wells and Bud Coffman.

Receiving his Masters in Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary, Eric served many churches, beginning his ministry in Ohio. In North Carolina, he had served as pastor of Cedar Square Friends Meeting in Archdale and Up River Friends in Belvidere before his current pastoral appointment at Nahunta Friends Church.

Fun-loving and full of energy, Eric was someone that you loved to be around. Always pleasant in his demeanor, and he truly enjoyed being around people. He was the most extroverted introvert. Eric loved sports especially when it was the UNC Tar Heels. He always found joy in the simple pleasures of a Tar Heel win.

In all that Eric did, he offered glory to God. Never one to be in the spotlight, he enjoyed working behind the scenes and serving the church in every way he could. You could always find Eric sweeping the floors or washing down the tables after a meal with his church family. He made it his priority to share the love of Christ with all he met, finding in Eric a generous friend. God’s Word was the guidepost for Eric’s life, and he shared it with all who would listen.

Time on the golf course was most enjoyable for Eric. Whether he hit them straight or not, it was always a pleasurable time. Most of all, he enjoyed life with his family. Where they were, he wanted to be. They were his biggest blessing and he honored them with his commitment and love. He loved being a father to all four of his children and G-Daddy to his two grandchildren, Finley and Zeke, and found so much joy when they were around. They were a welcomed distraction during his sickness.

A service to celebrate Eric’s life will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in the sanctuary of Nahunta Friends Church. A reception and time of visitation will follow the service in Friends Hall behind the church. Those who wish to tune in online may go to YouTube and request Nahunta Friends Church and then you will be able to click on the live feed.

Eric is survived by his wife of 27 years, Marsha Coffman-Woods; children, Nicholas Evan Woods and wife, Chelsea, Colton Elliott Woods and wife, Rachel, Jace Kerigan Senter-Woods, and Jovi Madison Woods; grandchildren, Finley Woods and Ezekiel Eric Woods; father, Gary Woods; mother, Joy Meeks; brothers, Steve Woods and Matt Woods and wife, Nivine; nephew, Rowan Woods; mother-in-law, Vicki Wells; and brother-in-law, Michael Coffman.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the compassionate care provided by Dr. Samar Kasbari and the staff at Southeastern Medical Oncology Center. They helped Eric fight the good fight and gave us many more treasured years together than expected. Love and heartfelt thanks are also expressed to the staff of the transfusion center at Wayne UNC Healthcare. The love and selflessness shown during Eric’s transfusions was truly a blessing in our lives. Special thanks go especially to his church family, Nahunta Friends, who cared for Eric and his family in so many kind and thoughtful ways through the years and during this time of loss.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Eric’s memory to

Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.