Athleen “Chip” Hatcher Middleton, 81, of Maryville, Tennessee, passed away on October 3, 2026, in Maryville.

Born on July 13, 1945, in Louisville, Tennessee, Chip lived a life marked by devotion to her family, dedication in her work, and a deep commitment to the creative gifts that became such a meaningful part of her life. She was a Christian woman who loved God, her church (Cornerstone Church, Farragut), and the people there, and that faith remained an important part of who she was.

Chip shared 56 years of marriage with her husband, William R. Middleton. In the life they built together, she was known as a wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. Her family includes her husband, William R. Middleton; her daughter, Stephanie Allgood and husband Troy Allgood; her granddaughter, Hannah Mae Allgood; her grandson, Todd William Allgood; her sisters, Sandy McNeilly and husband David McNeilly, and Minnie Craig; her nieces and nephews, Heather Richards, Dusty Young and wife Alyson Young, Jennifer Lapollo and husband Justin Lapollo, Holly Tipton and husband Trey Tipton, and Raymond Craig and wife Allison Craig; and several great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-niece and great-great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cordia Mae Robbins Hatcher and Raymond Cecil Hatcher; her sister, Jone Young Burnett and husband Daniel Burnett; and her brother-in-law, David Craig.

Professionally, Chip worked as an accounting bookkeeper for several companies, including Allgood Electric Inc. Her work also reflected her strong eye for beauty and design. She was involved in sales and design for Calico Corners and worked as a designer for Kathe Wohlfahrt. Her artistic ability was an important part of her life and career, expressed not only through her employment but also through the many ways she shared her talent with others.

Chip was a talented artist whose creativity found lasting expression in decorative painting, sewing, and scrapbooking. She taught tole painting classes when she lived in Germany, Texas, and Tennessee, sharing both her knowledge and her enthusiasm for the art. She created and sold her work through craft shows and consignment shops, building a body of handmade pieces that reflected her skill and dedication. For several years, she also designed Christmas ornaments for Kathe Wohlfahrt, the largest Christmas store in Germany, a role that connected her artistry to a much wider audience.

Those who knew Chip knew a woman whose life held many roles and responsibilities. She was a great daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and auntie, and these roles were central to her life. Alongside her family commitments and professional work, she continued to invest time in the creative pursuits she loved, bringing care and craftsmanship to each one.

Athleen “Chip" Hatcher Middleton will be remembered for a life that joined family, faith, work, and artistry in lasting measure. Her memory will remain dear to her family and to all who knew her. The family would like to give thanks to Amedisys Hospice for their kindness and support during this time.

Proverbs 31:28-31 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 until 6:30 PM on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at Cornerstone Church of God – Farragut, 12813 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN. Memorial service will follow at 6:30 PM.

The family will have a private graveside service. Condolences may be shared at Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.