Mary Catherine Choate

Mary Catherine Choate, 91, of Franklin, TN, devoted wife, mother, grand/great grandmother passed away peacefully to heaven, January 28, 2025 surrounded by her family after a long illness. She was born and lived her whole life in Nashville graduating from Hume Fogg High School, until moving to a retirement community in Franklin in 1999. She was the daughter of Willie C. Anderson and Annie Miles Anderson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Lee Choate, who passed in 1999 shortly after moving with Catherine to be closer to family. Also preceded in death by her 2 sisters & brother, Blanche Reese Anderson Coleman, Billie (Bud) Anderson and Nancy Ann Anderson, and her son, William Jeffery Bragg all from Nashville.

Catherine started working at age 15, in 1948 at the Pharmacy for the now Historic Hermitage Hotel in Nashville. She worked most of her younger career as a cosmetic/jewelry buyer for Wilson Quick Drug Store Chain. Later on when Southern Hills Hospital opened she went back to work as a healthcare worker until she retired.

Catherine and Richard met in the 1950’s and later married at Belmont Methodist Church in 1967. She lived everyday with a bounteous heart of unconditional love for her family. Her heart filled with love for God and family has to be the testament to her strength and long life. Always an impeccable housekeeper, she enjoyed when there was time to get away to go fishing at the lake with family and friends. Later on she enjoyed gardening and took up painting nature landscapes when she retired, watching Bob Ross on PBS channel 8.

Catherine is survived by her two daughters, Deborah Ann Baldwin Lannom (Buz, who she now joins in heaven) and Judy Lee Choate Rowan (Mac).

Her grandchildren: Michael Troy Lannom (Kelli), Tiffany Ann Lannom Gard, Michael Joshua Rowan, and Matthew McEwen Rowan.

Great-grandchildren: Devon Anthony Gard, Madison Noelle Lannom, Ty Raymond Lannom, (Ethan Andrew Gard, who she now joins in heaven), and Taylor King with her adoring 4 beautiful children.

Along with many loved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Cancer Society, St. Jude's Children's Cancer Research Fund, The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, or a Veteran's Charity of your choice in honor of Mary Catherine Choate.