Lanola Bacote Goings

On June 5, 1979, in the city of Florence, SC, the late Eugene C. Bacote, Jr. and Mary Geiger Bacote welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world and named her La Nola Nikita. Little did they know that this gift would go on to impact countless lives beyond their own. La Nola grew up surrounded by the love of family, friends, and most importantly, the love of Christ. She gradated as Class President from South Florence High School in 1997, followed by Winthrop University, and then transferred successfully receiving an Associate of Arts degree from Florence-Darlington Technical College. She continued her studies at Coker College where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. Throughout her childhood she loved singing in church and assumed an informal role as the minister of worship at Royal Street Church of God. Led by her gifts of evangelism and intercessory prayer, La Nola accompanied her mother to visit the elderly and sick. Even as a child, her prayer life and faith was beyond her years. La Nola accepted her call to ministry and became an Ordained Minister on October 7, 1999. She lived each day dedicated to serving and bringing Glory to God. This was accomplished by sharing the Gospel message, encouraging and uplifting others, exercising in prophesy and fervent prayer, and efforts such as establishing the Circle of Sisters prayer group and helping start Friday Night Fire. She was a dedicated member of Outreach Family Fellowship for several years and was instrumental in nurturing the youth, drama, music, and website ministries. She also served as coordinator of the Youth Praise and Worship Team, “Judah Sings”. La Nola married the love her life, Pastor Rodney T. Goings, on November 26, 2005. Then in 2010, she was installed as an Elder. She refined her prophetic anointing over the years allowing the gift to flow freely and would often speak into people’s lives via any communication means. Serving as co-pastor with her husband, La Nola started Heart of Christ Family Fellowship in 2013. She birthed Heart 2 Heart “H2” Women’s Ministry, Marriage Enrichment Fellowship, His Heart Dance Ministry, the praise and worship team, teenage class and the website/communications ministry. In addition to the HOCFF ministry, La Nola wrote plays and murder mystery productions, was a singer/songwriter, and recording artist. Her ministry style was unique and out of the box with the mission to be impactful. It was common for her to use props while preaching and teaching so the visual aids would help paint a clear picture to congregants and increase understanding. These demonstrations coupled with catchy titles made it easy to remember the message. Even her way of throwing water had its own unique purpose. Outside of ministry, La Nola partnered with her husband and brothers to start the small catering business Seasoned Birds, authored children’s books, and loved to travel. La Nola was employed at Heritage Community Services. On Thursday, November 7, 2019, God called His servant from labor to reward. Those left to cherish her beautiful memory and pick up the mantel are: her husband, Pastor Rodney T. Goings; mother Mary G. Bacote; sisters, Tanisha B. Daniels (Darrell), Corren G. Johnson (Earl), Catrina James, and Latosha Carmichael; brothers Christopher Baker (Shalana), Marcus Hamer (Monica), Corey Grice, and Darrel Galloway; nieces Faith Daniels, Divine Daniels, Hannah Johnson, Christian Baker, Mia and Melita Hamer; nephews Derrick James, Joel Simpson, and Darrell Daniels, Jr.; father in-laws LaVern Baker (Rebekah) and Joseph Legette (Anita); Godmother Alfreda Spearman; Godfather Willie Shepard; a multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins, and (special to her heart) her God-children; Heart of Christ Family Fellowship; hosts of friends; brothers and sisters in Christ; and the community at large.