Zelma Theresa (Choate) Kilby

Zelma Theresa Choate Kilby, 86, of Statesville, passed away at her residence Sunday, November 13, 2016.  She was born on April 1, 1930 in Alleghany County to the late John T, and Ida Richardson Choate. Mrs. Kilby was a graduate of Sparta High School and Davis Hospital Nursing School.  She was a Registered Nurse who was the operating room supervisor at Davis Hospital and retired after 38 years of service.  Mrs. Kilby was married to William “Bill” Walker Kilby for over 50 years before his passing in 2004.  She was a member of Beulah Baptist Church and the family would like to thank her Sunday school class for the love, visits, and prayers.  Zelma enjoyed gardening, cooking, and spending time with family.  She especially loved going to the family homestead in the mountains.  Along with her parents and husband, Bill, she was preceded in death by three sons, William, Ronnie, and Gary Kilby; two brothers, Elgin and Amon Choate; and two sisters, Sophia Choate and Opal Choate Truitt. Left to cherish her memory are a son, Dennis Kilby, of the home; two grandsons, Drew and Adam Kilby, of Statesville; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Thursday, November 17, 2016 at the Grandview Funeral Home Chapel in Sparta with Brother Harold Church officiating.  Burial will follow at Woodruff Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will visit with friends at the funeral home prior to the service from 1:00 until 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28677.  Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is assisting the family.