Marion Choate

Waynesville, Marion Ellis Howell Choate, 92, passed away on Saturday, January 22, 2022.

A native of Haywood County, she was the daughter of the late Grady and Winnie Kinsland Howell. Along with her parents, Marion is preceded in death by her son, William “Hamp”ton Choate, Jr. and two brothers, Vinson Howell and Gene Howell. Bige with her husband Bill were the owners and operators of Winngray Campground and a member of Shady Grove United Methodist Church. She attended Appalachian State Teachers College, now App State, and earned her nursing degree. Marion was an avid gardener and particularly enjoyed growing pumpkins and flowers. She was known to be a social butterfly by everyone at the family campground and loved her dog Peanut.

She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, William Hampton Choate, Sr.; daughter-in-law, Michelle Choate, of Hilton Head, South Carolina; and four grandsons, William “Tripp” Hampton Choate, III (Carlin Robertson), of Charlotte, Dylan David Choate, of Waynesville, Beau Mark Choate, of Raleigh, and Pre Ellis Choate, of Clemson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at Shady Grove United Methodist Church with Pastor Jason E.B. Smith and Pastor David Duncan officiating. Burial will follow at Garrett-Hillcrest Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday at Shady Grove United Methodist Church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Shady Grove United Methodist Church, 3570 Johnathan Creek Road, Waynesville, NC 28786 and Haywood County Meals on Wheels, 157 Paragon Pakway, Suite 300, Clyde, NC 28721.

The care of Ms. Choate has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.