Michelle Antoinette Haddock

Michelle Antoinette (Lane) Haddock passed away on February 11th, 2026, in Chattanooga, Tennessee at the age of 39. She was born on July 24th, 1986, in Arlington, Texas to Kevin Smith Lane and Jill Francis (Taverna) Lane.

From an early age Michelle demonstrated the quiet empathy that would remain constant throughout her life. She was an incredible encourager, in the most authentic way, and would often win the "most compassionate" award in grade school.

When Michelle was nine, the Lane family moved from Texas to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she would become an avid reader. She had always been an early reader, but by this time, her imagination had caught up to her intellect, and she was unapologetic about making a scene arguing with her mom or a clerk about the book limit per visit at the public library. Stories didn't just entertain her, she needed them; they widened the world and convinced her there was always more to discover. Every subsequent family move during childhood, her parents both knew that Michelles first outing would be to locate the public library.

When Michelle was thirteen, the Lane family moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where she would become a rebel. Well, not really, but she was stubborn, so if you are going to ask her to babysit her younger brother all summer, you can't also ask her not to watch trashy daytime talk shows with him all day too. Shoutout Maury Povich and Mother Love. Michelle's stubbornness served her well and grew into incredible determination and resolve. What could look like defiance was only conviction... and maybe a little defiance. Michelle was always an extremely hard worker, and she became such a strong advocate for what she believed in.

When Michelle was fifteen, the Lane family would land in Kennesaw, Georgia where Michelle would complete high school. Over those years she tried soft ball, learned bass guitar, won art competitions, traveled to Mexico, hid pet rabbits in her closet, leaned into a punk phase hard, and though she didn't realize it then, brought so many people together. She was such an incredible friend.

She would begin her undergraduate studies at Kennesaw State University, before transferring and moving to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Michelle graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She recently had planned to return to school to pursue a M.S in Library Information Science.

Most people meet the love of their life and then get married. But Michelle was never like most people. Instead, she got married, and then-over the course of the next nine years-she met the loves of her life. Liam, Dexter, Rory, and Salem each captured her heart in a wholly unique way. Liam was the first, changing literally everything about her world. His intensity and imagination constantly dazzled and delighted her as well as everyone around her. Dexter's quiet consideration and steadfast loyalty were a reflection of her, a mirror held up to her adolescent self. Rory's unbridled passion and joy were a constant light through dark times, and his disregard for his own limitations reminded her that we, not the world around us, define what we can and cannot do. And finally, Salem was the brilliant bookend that completed her family, a boy whose never-ending curiosity and unwavering love for the world around him came at a time when she needed it most.

Michelle survived NICU stays for three of the four boys, with two of those tenures lasting over 60 days each. She survived the death of Liam, whose loss continues to impact the lives of her friends and family nearly seven years later. She found a way to turn every heartbreak into an adventure, every struggle into an opportunity for growth. Becoming a mother irreparably changed her health, introducing her body to a number of problems that would plague her for the rest of her life-but she never regretted having her children. To anyone who would ask, she would say that they were her world, and the light in her eyes when she said those words were proof of their sincerity. They were her world, her purpose, her saving grace, and her greatest joy. And now they are a part of her legacy, a testament to her kindness and passion, and an enduring example that lives don't have to be long to leave an indelible mark on our world.

Michelle was a builder; everywhere she went community bloomed. She accepted people for who they were, loving even their messy parts. She inspired people to be better mothers, showing women how to lift up their children, love unconditionally, and give themselves grace. If she saw someone struggling, she was the first to open her home, prepare a meal, or offer a listening ear. She had a way of bringing people together and many in Chattanooga can credit Michelle for their friendships and their communities.

She taught us how to see beauty in the hardest of times. Of course, Michelle said it best, "Things are usually painful and beautiful at exactly the same time... how it will all disappear eventually. How the impermanence of it is what makes it so sweet... and it is so, so, so, so, so sweet." During good times and impossible moments, she and her friends came together to support and love each other and the children they all helped raise together as a family.

Michelle loved children. She delighted in who each child was as a person. She carried this love, a love of books, and a love of community to her work at the East Ridge Library. She took so much joy in the programming and relationships she created there. She loved to see people thrive; she was a facilitator at heart. She headed numerous programs, from Baby Bounce to Family Game Night to Bedtime Storytime and more.

Michelle was a brilliant person who valued her independence and worked hard to create the life she dreamed of for her and her boys. She strove to instill in her children curiosity about the world around them, empathy for themselves and others, kindness in all situations and a strong sense of self-worth. She loved deeply, was loved deeply and will be deeply missed.

Michelle was preceded in death by her son, Liam Eliot Haddock; all four of her grandparents; and numerous extended family members. She is survived by her sons, Dexter Keats Haddock, Rory Emerson Haddock, and Salem Lane Wilder Haddock; their "papa", Ryan Haddock; her "daddy," Kevin Lane; her "mama," Jill Lane; her "baby brother," Ethan Lane; his wife, Karley; their children, Ray, Fitz, and Scout; her best friends, Myrissa Rooks, Kaitti Johnson, and Toni Sewell, and their children; as well as many other family members, friends, and children who were her partners in life and in the pursuit of finding the lucky in every day.

Michelle was silly, extremely funny, incisively sarcastic, and when appropriate, and sometimes not, deeply appreciative of dark humor. We will be remembering her, and of course celebrating her life, but it only feels right to call it something Michelle would smile at and burst into the familiar laugh we will all miss so much. So, "the inevitable gathering" will be held at Walker Pavillion at Coolidge Park on March 28th from 3 - 5PM.

In Michelle's memory and honor, donations may be made through the GoFundMe page below. We are working to establish a scholarship in her name, and additional details can be found there.

https://gofund.me/b2c22b290