Patricia Elaine King

Patricia Elaine King, age 84, was born on May 24, 1942, in Birmingham, Alabama, and passed peacefully into the presence of her Savior on May 28, 2026, at her home, with her daughter Ruth and son-in-law Calvin by her side. Patricia was a faithful and active member of Woodmont Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama.

Patricia was the beloved daughter of Wendell and Mildred Beal. She spent much of her childhood in Panama City, Florida, where she shared countless adventures with her brothers, Kenneth and Richard — especially her cherished memories of water skiing along the Gulf Coast. Patricia was also a gifted singer. During her years at Bay County High School, she sang in the Mixed Chorus, which traveled to perform at the Hotel Roanoke in Virginia in 1959. She often laughed while recalling how the choir sang “The Bonnie Blue Flag” during their northern tour.

Her love for music and her devotion to the Lord led her to sing in the church choir, where a young man named Jim King first noticed her from the pews. Patricia loved telling the story of their very first date — and how Jim asked her to marry him that same evening. Patricia Beal and James “Jim” King were married on June 12, 1961, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span decades of ministry, service, and love.

In 1964, while Jim was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, they joined Grace Baptist Church. During a missions conference, they heard the call to serve in Brazil. Patricia later wrote, “We both knew God was calling us.” On Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1969, Jim and Patricia arrived in Brazil with their four children to begin what would become 44 years of missionary service.

Together, they faithfully ministered among the Jaminaua Indians, planted churches throughout the interior regions of Brazil, and served in translation and printing ministries that equipped national pastors. Patricia especially loved ministering to women and children, pouring her heart into teaching, discipleship, hospitality, and encouragement. Her gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and servant’s heart touched countless lives.

In 2014, Jim and Patricia relocated to Orlando, Florida, where they continued serving faithfully through their church, neighborhood outreach, and prison ministry.

Patricia found joy in life’s simple blessings: sunflowers, birds, the preaching of Dr. David Jeremiah, and the music of the Gaither Vocal Band. She dearly loved her Bible and treasured time spent in God’s Word. Her homemade chocolates were legendary to those who knew her, and her family will forever remember breakfasts filled with her freshly baked pão de queijo and warm fellowship around the table.

More than anything besides her Savior, Patricia deeply loved the family she and Jim were blessed to raise. Time spent together with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was one of her greatest joys and the clearest expression of her love.

Patricia is survived by her children, Debbie Lynn, Dave King (Sue), and Ruth Rutz (Calvin); her grandchildren, Dava Trant, David Crabb, Elaine Alexander (Levi), Matthew Dennison (Christina), Marie Webster (Rachel), Ashley Henderson (Skyler), Autumn Cook (Austin), Andrew Clouse (Gerald), Alex Dennison (Jenavie), and Danica Gwin (Andrew); and her great-grandchildren, Sennica Trant, Boston Trant, Grayson Winn, Cohen Butler, Sawyer Cook, August Cook, Jacob Henderson, Barrett Gwin, Sadie Gwin, Kinsley Dennison, Paxton Dennison, Camila Dennison, and Addison Webster.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim King, and her precious daughter, Rebekah Patton.

Patricia’s family already feels the depth of her absence, yet they rejoice in the godly legacy she leaves behind — a legacy of unwavering faith, sacrificial love, joyful service, and devotion to Christ.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at McConnell Funeral Home in Athens, Alabama. A private family burial will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Woodmont Baptist Church in Florence, Alabama with Dr. Chad Hess officiating and her children sharing stories and memories.