"Tot" Miller Hatchell

Yvonne "Tot" Miller Hatchell, child of God, 98, passed away peacefully in the comfort of family on Sunday, April 7, 2024. She was born July 30, 1925, in Denham Springs, Louisiana, to Walter B. and Augusta Miller. Tenth in a line of 14 children, she was nicknamed "Tot" at a very young age because she was so tiny. Throughout her life, she was affectionately Tot by her friends, family and loved ones.

Tot Hatchell is survived by her beloved husband of 79 years, J.M. "Hatch" Hatchell. The couple married May 4, 1945, following his return from deployment in the Pacific during World War II. After Hatch's discharge, they returned to Denham Springs to make their home and welcome the first of their three children. In 1958, they moved to Atlanta, Georgia, and remained there until retiring to Young Harris, Georgia, in 1997. Although they moved away, Tot and Hatch would frequently return to Denham Springs to visit their close-knit family, especially her many sisters, and celebrate with homemade ice cream at her family's frequent gatherings known as "Porch Night". Tot always had a fond appreciation for the North Georgia Mountains, and she was blessed to spend the last 27 years living in Young Harris surrounded by their beauty. Her favorite past-time was gazing at the mountains while enjoying one of her many cups of coffee.

Tot is survived by her children, Carol Crossley McMorris of Blairsville, GA, Maurice Hatchell and wife Beth of Marietta, GA, and Glen Hatchell and wife Kelly of Tampa, FL. She cherished being "Grandma" to seven grandchildren, Kelly Crossley, Cassie Crossley, Suzie Winship, Marley Hopper, Kyle Hatchell, Britni Haskins, and Keith Hatchell, in addition to ten great-grandchildren. Tot is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Annie Leah Hatchell McMorris (Claude) and Irmalene Hatchell Kelly, in addition to many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents and her thirteen brothers and sisters.
Throughout their life, Tot and Hatch have been actively involved in service of their church community. After moving to the Atlanta area, she was a member of Dogwood Hills Baptist Church in East Point, GA (11 yrs.), Heritage Hills Baptist Church in Decatur, GA (23 yrs.) and lastly Blairsville First Baptist Church for the past 27 years. A loyal servant of God, Tot was dedicated to her church communities and was frequently involved with the nursery, welcome, kitchen, and fellowship committees. Known for her delicious cooking, Tot's famous tea cakes and lemon muffins were very popular with each congregation and her special recipes carry on through many church cookbooks.

In her long and fulfilling life, Tot had a love for travel that led she and Hatch to many corners of the US, but her favorite was always New England in the fall. They would return there every few years to take in the beauty of the changing leaves. Aside from her famous cooking, Tot loved quilting, needlepoint, and all things sewing-related. She enjoyed crafting, board games, reading, and writing in her many journals. She was an avid collector of many things and had a special appreciation for arts, crafts, and all things handmade. However, her favorite past time was spending time with her family and loving on her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Services will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Blairsville First Baptist Church. 296 Blue Ridge St, Blairsville, Georgia 30512. The family will receive friends at a visitation at the church from 12:30 pm to 1:45 pm. Service at 2:00 pm with reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Willowbrook Hospice, 79 Southside Church St, Ellijay, GA 30540, or a charity of your choice.