Norma Atchley

Norma Sue Atchley, 86, went to heaven December 13, 2022 surrounded by family at her home. She was born in Amhurst off Middlebrook Pike on May 26, 1936 to John and Geneva Thompson. Sue was a faithful member of Ball Camp Baptist Church for the last 74 years. Sue graduated from Karns High School and lived in the Ball Camp community since the age of 11. Following graduation she went to work at Tennessee School for the Deaf surrounded by children and ended her work life caring for 2 year olds at First Baptist Concord Church. In between, she worked at Standard Knitting Mill, where she met Wallace (Jay) Atchley and worked at Allied Manufacturing in the 70’s.

The Thompson farm was well known in the Ball Camp community and there was always a good meal to enjoy after church on Sundays by family and friends. In 1967, Sue and Jay built a home on the family farm and raised Sue’s daughters until 2002. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Wallace Atchley, Jr. and her brother, James M. Thompson. She is survived by her daughters, Pat (Phil) McGill and Sandra Gale Wilson, the grandchildren she took such pride in, Becky Williams, and Jamie Williams. Jamie’s wife, Sarah, who became another granddaughter. She was overcome with joy at the addition of great grandchildren, Dominic, Piper and Calli. The family is so thankful for Charissa Fetters, caregiver who became part of Sue’s family and for UT Hospice, especially, Rachel, Amanda, Jordan and Chaplin Peter.

Those who wish to remember Sue with flowers may do so or in lieu flowers, donations to Ball Camp Baptist Church (865-693-1641); Cancer Support Community East TN (865-546-4661), or Care of Fort Sanders Foundation (865-531-5210) in Sue’s memory would be greatly appreciated.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:00am at Ball Camp Baptist Church on Saturday, December 17 with funeral at 11:00. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Loudon Funeral Home and Cremations is in charge of the arrangements.