Ms. Zenade Finley Hatchett

Zenade Finley Hatchett, age 94, passed away peacefully on Tuesday March 3, 2026, at 11:22 p.m. in Miami, Florida, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on October 24, 1931, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Claude A. and Mabel Bates Finley, Zenade lived a life defined by strength, grace, adventure, and extraordinary generosity. She grew up during the Great Depression, and those early years shaped her deeply, teaching her the value of resilience, gratitude, and living frugally. She carried that mindful way of living throughout her life—not from scarcity, but from wisdom—always careful, thoughtful, and generous with what she had.

She graduated from Central High School and the University of Chattanooga before beginning a distinguished 35-year career with the Tennessee Valley Authority. In 1953, she became one of the few women cartographers working on highly classified projects during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Later, she joined the Uranium Administration Branch of Nuclear Power, traveling out West to uranium mines and contributing her steady dedication and intelligence to important national work. She retired in 1988, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and quiet excellence.

Retirement was not a slowing down but a new chapter of exploration and service. Zenade traveled the world—visiting more than 70 countries across six continents—embracing both traditional and exotic destinations with curiosity and joy. She volunteered for over a decade at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank and faithfully served through Tyner United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir, played handbells, and delivered food and donations to the Chattanooga Community Kitchen.

Zenade was, at her core, an exceptionally giving person. She gave generously to charities, devoted her time to volunteer work, and in her retirement poured herself wholeheartedly into her family. She helped raise her two granddaughters, leaving a lasting imprint on their lives and teaching them life’s most meaningful lessons. She often reminded them of one lesson, simple yet profound: “Spend a little, save a little, and give a little away”—a principle rooted in her Depression Era upbringing and one she modeled every day.

Her kindness extended to everyone she encountered. Whether it was the cashier at the grocery store, the receptionist at the front desk, a neighbor, a lifelong friend, or a beloved family member, each person was treated with warmth, dignity, and genuine care. She did not have to try to make connections; her natural sincerity and light drew people to her. As one dear acquaintance beautifully shared, simply being Zenade—“like lemonade, but with a Z”—was enough to brighten a room. She formed meaningful friendships effortlessly, and her presence carried a sincerity and warmth that brought joy to those around her.

In 2019, she moved to Miami to be closer to her family, where she continued to touch lives and build community. It brought her family comfort to see how loved she was and how easily she formed friendships simply by being herself.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her daughter, Janice (Sam) Dobrow; her granddaughters, Shannon (Felipe) Priorelli-Soares and Jordan (Frederick) Korb; and her great-grandchildren, Thomas and Stella Soares. Her daughter and granddaughters will forever cherish the lessons Zenade taught them—to treat others with kindness, to lead with generosity, and to always express love to those closest to you, because time is never guaranteed. Those lessons will live on for generations.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 14 at The Palace Coral Gables in Miami, Florida, at 4:00 p.m., with a buffet dinner to follow. Guests are asked to please RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebration-of-life-for-zenade-hatchett-tickets-1984584229855?aff=oddtdtcreator Interment will take place at Hamilton Memorial Gardens in Chattanooga, TN..

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank or to the American Heart Association.

To know Zenade was to love her. Her warmth, generosity, and gentle spirit left an imprint on everyone fortunate enough to cross her path. Though she is no longer with us, the love she gave so freely will continue to ripple through the lives she touched—living on in her family, in acts of kindness inspired by her example, and in the countless memories she leaves behind.