Mrs. Arlette Marie Goings

Arlette Marie Pujol Goings, age 98, passed away peacefully at her home in Millbrook, Alabama on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Arlette was born on December 14, 1926, in Tartas, France to the late Jean Pujol and August Leah Latapy Pujol. She grew up in a kind, loving home with her parents and younger brother, Alain Pujol. At the age of thirteen, World War II broke out, and her hometown was invaded by Nazi soldiers. Many of her Jewish neighbors and childhood friends were taken by the Nazis. At age seventeen, Arlette’s mother informed her that France had been saved by US troops. She often fondly told stories of how they danced and rejoiced in the streets upon learning they were liberated. At the age of twenty-six, she met Hubert (Hub) L. Goings, a young American GI, at a dance in Chateauroux, France. They married shortly thereafter. She felt there was no greater honor than marrying a US soldier. Hub had four children from a previous marriage (Brenda Goings (Joiner), Donald Goings, Stanley Goings, and Gene Goings), which she loved and raised as her own. While stationed in France, Arlette & Hub welcomed their first child together, Catherine Goings. Upon being stationed in England, Carol Goings (Green) was born. The family eventually settled in Montgomery, Alabama, following Hub’s last tour of duty at Maxwell Air Force Base. Arlette loved living in the South and was honored and proud to obtain her US Citizenship in 1959. Arlette and Hub were members of County Line Church of Christ. She attended weekly church services for many decades, until she was no longer able to drive. After Hub’s passing in 1989, she moved in with her youngest daughter, Carol, and helped raise her granddaughter, Brigette. Throughout her life, she maintained close relationships with her stepchildren, children, and extended family. Arlette loved fashion and was extremely proud of her French heritage as well. She loved working in the yard, planting flowers, cooking and spending time with her family. Preceded in death are her parents Jean and August Pujol, husband (Hubert L. Goings), stepchildren Brenda Goings Joiner (Aaron), Donald Goings (Virginia), Stanley Goings, Gene Goings (Margaret Ann), and son in law Jeffery Green (Carol). Left to cherish her memory, are her brother Alain Pujol (Jacqueline), daughters Catherine Goings and Carol Green (Jeffery), and grandchildren Christine Goings (Dan), Amy Ryals Jones, Kimberly Goings, Jennifer Kelly, Neil Goings (Julia), Mark Joiner, Becky Boyd (Robert Byrd), and Brigette Pujol-Thebo (Justin), daughters in law Virginia Goings and Margaret Ann Goings, in addition to thirteen great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, a niece and nephew, and close friend of the family Carol McManus. Mrs. Goings’ service will be held at Brookside Funeral Home in Millbrook, Alabama on Saturday, April 12th at 2:00, officiated by John Colquitt. (Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:00- 2:00 on April 12th). The graveside service will be held at County Line Church of Christ in Deatsville, Alabama immediately following the service. Serving as Pallbearers are Neil Goings, Becky Boyd, Brendon Boyd, James Boyd, Justin Thebo, and Robert Byrd. A special thank you to Dr. Marilyn Hepperle and Zach Jones, NP, for over twenty-years of exceptional care, in addition to the wonderful doctors and nurses at Prattville Hospital, and Gentiva Hospice. Brookside Funeral Home, Crematorium & Memorial Gardens of Millbrook, AL directing.