Tina Marlene Tenney

Tina Marlene Wright Godette Tenney, 75, of Carrollton, Georgia, passed peacefully on August 19, 2026, after a journey with Alzheimer’s disease. She passed quietly with her devoted husband, Don Tenney, and her daughter, Jill, by her side.

Born December 14, 1950, in Hudson, Michigan, Tina was the oldest of five children. Though life would eventually take her many miles from the place where she grew up, she remained deeply connected to her extended family throughout her life. Michigan would always hold a special place in her heart.

Tina was joyful by nature. She smiled easily, laughed often, and seemed to radiate light wherever she went. She loved fashion from an early age and was rarely seen without her hair done, her makeup on, and an outfit thoughtfully put together. As a young woman, she enjoyed sewing her own dresses, and throughout her life she used that talent to make clothing and special things for her children and grandchildren.

In March 1972, Tina married Bill Godette (III). Bill was city and Tina was country, and although they came from very different beginnings, Tina loved and trusted him deeply. Together they built a simple life in Naples, Florida, where they raised their family and remained until Bill’s passing in September 2009.

More than any occupation or accomplishment, Tina considered being a mother her most important calling. She was a nurturing and welcoming mother whose home was open to others and whose children knew every day that they were loved. She kept food on the table, made home a safe place, and built a childhood filled with consistency, faith, laughter and belonging. Most importantly, Tina wanted her children to know Jesus.

Her Christian faith was rarely something she needed to announce; it was displayed in the way she lived. Tina believed plainly and completely that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. She was a devoted intercessor with a deep trust in God. When someone was hurting or facing a difficult day, Tina’s instinct was to pray and bring the burden directly to the Lord.

Following Bill’s death, Tina knew she hoped to marry again and faithfully prayed for God to lead her to the right companion. In 2014, she married Don Tenney. Their marriage was marked by friendship, companionship, travel and a genuine enjoyment of simply being together. Don was always eager to go somewhere, and Tina was happy to go with him.

Together they became a beautifully blended family. Tina’s inclusive heart made room easily for Don’s sons, Jeff and John Tenney, and their families.

Tina especially flourished in her role as “Grandma Tina.” She treasured time with her grandchildren and wanted to be part of their everyday lives.

She loved family celebrations, humor, and finding reasons for everyone to laugh together. She maintained lifelong friendships stretching from Hudson to Naples and remained devoted to family and friends across many years and many miles.

Of all the places Tina loved, none was more sacred to her than Winding Creek Camp in Hastings, Michigan, a Christian campground she lovingly referred to as “holy ground.” Her parents had spent their honeymoon there, and Tina spent summers there throughout her childhood. Decades later, she and Don returned for many summers together, reconnecting Tina to the faith, family, friendship and memories that had shaped her from the beginning.

In the later years of her life, Tina walked the difficult road of Alzheimer’s disease. Don became her devoted primary caregiver and faithfully remained by her side throughout the progression of her illness. Alzheimer’s gradually took many of Tina’s abilities, but it never completely took the things that made her recognizable to those who loved her. Her bright smile remained. So did her delight in dressing up and her instinct to connect with others.

Tina is survived by her husband, Donald G. (Don) Tenney; her mother, Doris Taylor Wright Myers; her children, William “Bill” Godette IV and his wife, Jenna; Russell “Rusty” Godette and his wife, Tamara; and Jill (Godette) Anelli and her husband, Chris. She was the proud grandmother of Spencer, Grace and Ben Godette; Holden and Harper Godette; Alex “AJ” Anelli and his wife, Emily, and Tanner Anelli. She is also survived by the children, grandchildren and great-grandchild of the blended family she lovingly shared with Don.

Tina is also survived by her four beloved siblings, with whom she remained closely connected throughout her life: Kathleen (Wright) Baker and her husband, Keith; Sally (Wright) Sherman and her husband, Jeff; Joni (Wright) Hunt and her husband, Don; and James Wright and his wife, Charity.

She was preceded in death by her father, Milton Wright; her first husband, William “Bill” Godette, III, and her infant son, Danny.

When Tina’s children were young and something did not go their way, she would remind them that they had a choice: they could pout and stay sad, or they could “come back to where all the fun is.” It seems like a fitting lesson for those who now grieve for her.

There will be sadness because Tina was deeply loved. There will be a season to mourn her absence. But Tina would not want those she loved to remain there forever. She would remind them, as she did so many times throughout her life, “This too shall pass.” She would want them to trust God, return to joy, gather around the table, laugh together, love one another well, and keep following Jesus. And while those who love her will miss her terribly, they know where Tina would tell them to go from here: Back to where all the fun is.

One of Tina’s favorite Scriptures was Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

In spring 2027, Tina’s ashes will be placed at Winding Creek Camp in Hastings, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to Winding Creek Camp, where a special fund has been established in Tina’s memory. Donations may be made at:

https://windingcreek.breezechms.com/give/online