Alice Marie (Webb) Choate

Alice Marie (Webb) Choate passed from this earthly realm to join the love of her life, Donald, on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018. Known as "Aunt Ree" to all family and "Mum" to countless others, she leaves a legacy of love for all who knew her. Love for God and family defined her life and were reiterated in the words she gave to those who had gathered around her to celebrate her joyous entry into Heaven. Mrs. Choate truly embodied the scripture of Proverbs 31 and defined the term "steel magnolia"—a gracious, genteel Southern woman with endless strength. Mrs. Choate was born in Floyd, Ark., on May 10, 1932 to Vera Carmen (Forbes) Webb and Mallard Stanley Webb. She was preceded in death by her parents, her seven siblings, her husband, and one son, David Lee Choate. She attended Floyd School through the eighth grade, then transferred to Searcy High School, where she was Valedictorian of the class of 1949. Mrs. Choate attended Harding University and Arkansas State College (ASU-BB) after graduating from high school. She married James Donald Choate on Nov. 30, 1950 and farmed alongside him to manage the Choate Farm in Floyd, where they raised 4 children. After raising her children, she completed her bachelor's degree in education in 1970 at the University of Central Arkansas. As a teacher, she touched many lives and advised and mentored many new teachers, as well as being a staunch advocate for students. Mrs. Choate is survived by two daughters, Donna Hill and Nancy Fancyboy, and one son, Mike Choate; three daughters-in-law, Carla (White) Choate, Connie (White) Choate, and Penny (Collins) Choate-Agee. Also surviving her are 8 grandchildren, Laura Nick (Chris), Will Choate (Audra), Guy Choate (Liz), Lee Quessenberry (Krystal), Michael Quessenberry, John Choate (Tessa), Mary Alice Fancyboy, and Charlie Fancyboy. She also is survived by five great-grandchildren, whom she adored, Caroline & Cate Nick, Norah & Bo Choate, and Sophia Choate. Mrs. Choate's services will be held Tuesday, Oct. 2 at the United Methodist Church in Floyd. Visitation will be at 12:30, and the service will be at 2. Burial will be at the Old Floyd Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following: Arkansas Children's Hospital, the Beebe Education Foundation, Floyd United Methodist Church, or the Floyd Community Center. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe.