Mrs. Pearl Ethelyn King Goings, 93, of Montross, Virginia peacefully departed her earthly life on Monday, February 26, 2018 at home, with her son and daughter at her side. Born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Pearl was the daughter of Charles and Frances (Schul) King. She married Elbert Wesley Goings and they made their home and raised their family in McLean, VA. She moved to Montross in 2004. Pearl is predeceased by her parents; husband; and three sons: Steven Goings, Chuck Goings (Barbara), and Phillip Goings (Kelly). She was also predeceased by her sister Abby King. She is survived by her son Michael C. Goings, Sr. and her daughter Tamara Goings. Pearl is also survived by her grandchildren Jessica (J.C.) and Jacob Goings, Michael C. Goings, Jr., Nicholas Seth Goings and Weston Goings.; and her great-grandsons Aidan and Chase Goings.

As a young woman Pearl was recognized for her extraordinary talents in map-making and was sent to school by and employed by Army Map Service, Topographical Command as a cartographer. Her artistic talents did not end there, however. She was an illustrator of books with such varied titles as “The Joy of Signing”, “Personal Evangelism” and “Bride’s Caravan”. She also illustrated as a missionary for ICI (International Correspondence Institute) in Dallas, TX, and overseas in Belgium, along with occasional projects for her home church. Pearl put love and art into everything she did.

Mrs. Goings was a devoted member of the Arlington Assembly of God congregation and was known for having all of her children in church regularly. She also sang and played the piano for them. Pearl parented with so much love and creativity, always making sure that her children had everything they needed and most of what they wanted. She was a diligent and devoted caregiver for her husband after he became disabled. She recognized the need for aging missionaries and pastors to have a secure home in their retirement years and she set about making that happen with the Burke Lake Gardens, whose building to this day bears her name as a patron and founder.

In her later years, she frequently talked about going home to be with the Lord and now she is home. Pearl’s life was the Lord’s, her family, missionary work, animals, and art. She will be remembered as a devout Christian, a joyful person and a loving mother, wife, grandmother and great-grandmother.

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