Biography: Blanche Lambert Choate, 86, of Little Rock, passed away on January 18, 2021.  She was born on December 26, 1934, to Blanche Meyers and Jordan B. Lambert in Helena, Ark.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 59 years, Thomas H. Choate, Jr., brother Jordan B. Lambert, Jr., and sister Harriet Lambert Stanford. She is survived by son Thomas H. (Donna) Choate III, daughter Martha (Vent) Murphy, daughter Betty (Kermit) Davis, grandchildren Tyler (Marisa) Choate, Robin (Chris) Deal, Missy (Mart) Gilliland, Lauren (Preston) Eldridge, Lesley Murphy, Jordan Murphy, Claire (Fletcher) Johnson, Ally Davis, and ten great-grandchildren.  

Blanche grew up in Helena, Ark., where she graduated from Central High School in 1952. She attended Sweet Briar College in Virginia for one year before transferring to the University of Arkansas where she was a member of Chi-Omega.  It was there she met the love of her life, Tom. They were married in 1955 and settled in Helena, where they enjoyed raising their three children near family and friends. Blanche spent her time serving on many civic boards and being an active parishioner at St. John’s Episcopal Church. She found joy in so many activities: traveling the world with Tom, snow skiing with friends, gardening, and spending weekends at Moon Lake. After living in Pine Bluff for ten years, Tom and Blanche retired to Lake Hamilton, where they enjoyed watching sunsets on the water. 

To know Blanche was to know her passion for cooking for loved ones and entertaining friends. She put equal energy into preparing a weekday lunch as she did into hosting a crowd for a fundraiser. Always a redhead, Blanche had endless energy — she could dance the night away to Proud Mary with Tom in one hand and a cocktail in the other. 

The family wishes to thank the wonderful healthcare providers at Fox Ridge, Briarwood, and Hospice Home Care in Little Rock. A graveside service will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery in Helena, Ark., on January 21 at 1:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1000 N. Mississippi St., Little Rock, Ark., 72207, or St. John’s Episcopal Church, 625 Pecan St., Helena Ark., 72342.

Due to Covid 19- restrictions, the service is limited to family and close friends. Please follow all Covid-19 protocols wearing masks and social distancing.