Ethel Catherine Hatfield

Ethel Catherine Brown-Hatfield, 82, of Englewood, Florida passed on February 12, 2026, with her children, Virginia Porter, Saundra Jones, John Hatfield, stepdaughter Jamie Davenport, and granddaughter Sydney Jones by her side. Her passing was quick and merciful following a recent surgery.

Ethel was one of two children born to John James Brown, and Ethyl Robjohn Brown, in the City of Orange, New Jersey. Ethel was preceded in death by her parents, sister (Barbara Brown Zeller), and two times husband Arthur (Jimmy) James Hatfield, Jr. Ethel is survived by her children, Virginia Porter, Saundra Jones, John James Hatfield, stepdaughter Jamie Davenport, son-in-law Adrian (AJ) Jones, grandchildren Sydney Jones, and John James Hatfield, Jr., and great grandson William Hatfield.

The best word to describe Ethel is “firecracker” small and explosive. She stood tall for such a petite figure, and was quick to let you have it, if you had it coming to you. It is believed that “tough love” was initiated by Ethel, for the good of her family. Ethel possessed unmatchable fearlessness, bravery, tenacity, determination, loyalty, kindness, and unwavering love for all those lucky enough to be in her life. Ethel’s love for life, family, and friendship could be seen by all, even those she knew briefly from her love of cruising to the Englewood Moose Lodge.

Her passions included her love of the water and the land. She liked her gardens, orchids, and any place with water for swimming, boating, or fishing.

Her love of nature brought her to complete her associate’s degree in Horticultural Sciences which led to a fulfilling career at The State of New Jersey Department of Parks and Recreation, The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the United States Department of Agriculture as an agricultural inspector. Ethel retired at age 75.

Her love of water, started as she trained for the U.S. Olympics as a young child, and most likely would have competed except for an unfortunate fall off a ladder that resulted in a broken arm. Her best childhood memories are those spent with her mom, dad, and extended family members on the SS Brownie, she continued the boating and fishing tradition with all she loved.

Cremation services were provided by Kays-Ponger, Uselton & Lemon Bay Funeral Homes and Cremation Services located in Venice, Florida.

Ethel will be recognized at a Celebration of Life ceremony (date to be determined), during which her wish to unite with her late husband will be honored.

As a three-time cancer survivor, the family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to

Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation and Research

https://fcsf.org/ways-to-support/donate/