William Jesse Choate

Sugar Grove, Va.

William Jesse Choate age 70, passed away Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at Mountain Laurel Rehab & Nursing, Rural Retreat, Va.

Jesse was a true servant with a love for God, family, country and his community. Married to the love of his life and a true partner, Jesse and Carol made the lives of everyone around them better. From their time with the Sugar Grove Fire Department and Lifesaving Crew, Rye Valley Ruritan, Sugar Grove Young Farmers, his love of fellowship, worship and leadership as a trustee for Elizabeth Methodist Church and his thirty-three years of service to the Smyth County School Board with eighteen years as Chairman. Jesse had a way of putting people at ease as he worked to improve the educational system for the children, teachers, support staff and administrators of the Smyth County School System. Jesse was one of a kind, who absolutely made a difference and leaves a wonderful legacy for many generations to come.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Laton Edward and Marie Welch Choate; brothers, Eddie Choate and Ronnie Choate; grandparents, I.C. Choate and Bertha Choate.

Jesse is survived by his wife of 47 years, Carol Surber Choate of Sugar Grove, Va.; sisters-in-law, Barbara Choate of Smith Mountain Lake, Va., and Rosalie Choate of East Bend, N.C.; special nieces, Christina Blakely of Madison, Ala., Jessica Choate of Hamptonville, N.C., and Julia DeLizzio of Sterling, Va.; many special cousins, nieces, nephews and their families who loved Jesse and he loved them.

The family will receive friends Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Elizabeth Methodist Church, 574 Virginia Highlander Road, Sugar Grove VA 24375. Memorial services will begin at 1 p.m. with Pastor Mike Dixon officiating. Burial will be private.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jesse’s memory to Elizabeth Methodist Church, c/o Carol Choate, 788 Teas Rd, Sugar Grove, VA 24375.

To share memories of William Jesse Choate, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Jesse has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion VA 24354.