Irene Middlebrooks "Maw Maw" Hatchell

Irene Middlebrooks Hatchell, lovingly known as "Maw Maw," passed away peacefully at the age of 98½ on December 18, 2025, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by family. She shared her final years living with her devoted grandson, Darrell, and his wife, Brandi, whose loving care and companionship brought her great joy.

She was born on March 28, 1927, at home in Church Point, Louisiana, Maw Maw graduated from Acadia Baptist Academy and later moved to Baton Rouge, where she worked as a telephone operator for Southern Bell. While raising her children, she joined her sister at Verbie's Flower Shop, sharing her love of flowers with the community until her retirement. Maw Maw's passions included puzzles, travel, and-above all-the children in her life. Her warmth, wisdom, and gentle spirit touched generations.

She is survived by her children, Darylon Landsberger; Lin Friedheim (Jim); Dandra Boyd; and Darrell E. Hatchell (Dara); her grandchildren, Lisa Villar (Tim), Darrell D. Hatchell (Brandi), Jackie Hyde (Daniel), Adam Graves, Wesley Hatchell, Jamie Bahm (Vince), Grant Friedheim (Airi), and Brett Friedheim; her great-grandchildren, Brittany Gomez (Christopher), Isaiah Shoemake, Dustin Smith (Callon), Hudson Hyde, and Meadow Bahm; her great-great-grandchildren, Caydence Gomez, Aria Smith, Carmyn Gomez, and Sawyer Smith; and her sister, Pearl Mosley.

Maw Maw is preceded in death by her parents, David Sr. and Addie Laughlin Middlebrooks; her husband, Darrell E. Hatchell; her siblings, Elva Tenney, "Boot" Middlebrooks, Verbie Sandefer, Mary Lou Taylor, Merle Bertrand, Herman Middlebrooks, and Shirley Middlebrooks; her sons-in-law, Robert Landsberger and Harold Boyd; a grandchild, Katherine Elaine Hatchell; and Abbie Thibodeaux.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Victoria Smith Fairchild for her love and companionship over the past five years, and to the compassionate team at Compassus Hospice Care for their exceptional support.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation at Christ's Community Church of Denham Springs, Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 12:30 PM until her celebration of life begins at 2:00 PM. Bro. Willis Easley will be officiating services. Burial will follow immediately in Denham Springs Memorial Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Wesley Hatchell, Adam Graves, Brett Friedheim, Grant Friedheim, Dustin Smith, Isaiah Shoemake, Christopher Gomez, and Leroy Scott Jr. (Bro. Scottie).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made in Maw Maw's memory to the Children's Ministry at Christ Community Church of Denham Springs, 26574 Juban Road, Denham Springs, LA 70726.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McLin Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclinfuneralhome.com