Rev. Patricia Poteate Choplin

The Rev. Patricia (Patty) Olivia Choplin, 86, of Yadkinville, NC, entered the gates of Heaven on November 10, 2026. Patty was born on May 4, 1940, to Louise and Edwin Poteate in Waynesville, NC, and spent most of her life in Yadkinville.

Many will remember Patty for her years of service to the community’s children through the Special Education program in Boonville and for her years spent operating Choplin’s Child Care.

Patty will also be remembered for a lifetime of service to the United Methodist Church. After decades of service to Yadkinville Methodist Church and the district United Methodist Women, Patty pursued a calling to become an ordained United Methodist minister. Patty earned a Master of Divinity from Duke University in 2003 and faithfully served many churches throughout the Yadkin Valley District. At the time of Patty’s death, Patty was serving as minister of Yadkinville Presbyterian Church.

Patty’s favorite place on earth was beloved Lake Junaluska. In October, Patty took a final ride around the lake to see the beautiful fall colors reflected on its waters.

Most of all, Patty’s family will treasure the roles of daughter, wife, sister, mom, Grandmama, Mimi, and Memommy. There was very little Patty wouldn’t do for our family, though everyone quickly learned that Patty’s true favorites were the great-grandbabies. Patty was the cornerstone of the family and will be deeply missed.

Patty was preceded in death by parents Louise and Edwin, brother Avery, and the love of Patty’s life, husband Denny.

Patty is survived by children Brent (Drama) Choplin and Julia (Eddie) Norman; grandchildren Michelle (Ben) Corcoran, Melonie (Travis) Fleshman, Taylor Choplin, and Mallory (Blake) Choplin-Cheek; great-grandchildren Audrey, Nora, and Liam Corcoran; Amelia, Eliza, Amos, and Silas Fleshman; and Hudson Cheek; brothers Joe (Cathe) Poteat and Eddy (Frances) Poteate; and several nieces and nephews. Patty is also survived by special friends Sandra Woods, Helen Roseberry, and Wanda Doss.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, November 15, at 4:30 p.m. at Yadkinville United Methodist Church by the Rev. Sharon Lee. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the church. The family will receive friends at other times at Patty’s home.

Memorials can be made to Yadkinville United Methodist Church, 204 West Main Street, Yadkinville, NC 27055, or to Yadkinville Presbyterian Church, 209 West Main Street, Yadkinville, NC 27055.

Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Choplin family.