In Loving Memory of Joyce Urania (Hadden) Briscoe
Sunrise: December 21, 1945 – Sunset: June 7, 2025
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, Joyce Urania (Hadden) Briscoe peacefully transitioned from this life to her eternal rest, surrounded by the love of her family and friends at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina.
Born December 21, 1945, in Asheville, Joyce was the cherished daughter of the late James and Willie Mae Hadden. She was raised with seven siblings in a loving home filled with faith and music. A proud alumna of the historic Stephens-Lee High School, Joyce was an active and vibrant young woman who found joy in service and song—singing with the Gospel Soul Beams Choir and teaching swimming at the YMCA.
After high school, Joyce met and married Phillip Briscoe, and together they built a life and family, welcoming three daughters: Di-Onetta, Yvette, and Joyce.
Joyce later moved to New York, a city that captured her heart and became her home for over 30 years. There, she flourished—pursuing both personal growth and professional dreams. She began her career at the telephone company but soon followed her passion for people, beauty, and creativity. Joyce enrolled at Wilfred Academy of Hair and Beauty, earning her cosmetology license. Her kitchen transformed into a beloved gathering place—part beauty salon, part sanctuary—where hair was styled, stories were shared, and lifelong friendships were made.
A true Renaissance woman, Joyce’s talents extended beyond cosmetology. She had an innate eye for fashion, designing and modeling her own clothing and collaborating with her sister-in-law, Gert Hadden, to bring her visions to life.
Her creativity blossomed further as she organized and hosted fashion shows, eventually opening her own lounge, Urania’s Loft, in the Bronx. There she brought people together through style, music, her tasty home-made food, and hospitality. Urania’s Loft wasn’t just a venue—it was a haven, the heartbeat of the neighborhood, and a reflection of Joyce’s warmth and charisma.
As her children grew and began lives of their own, Joyce felt called to return home to Asheville. Reunited with her siblings and rooted once again in her hometown, she embraced a new chapter with her entrepreneurial spirit. Inspired by her beloved brother Eugene “The Candyman” Hadden, she launched her own “Rolling Store”—bringing food, treats, laughter, and love to the community. It was more than a business; it was a way of connecting and spreading kindness.
Joyce’s life was a blend of creativity, compassion, and community. She loved deeply, gave generously, and lived boldly—with faith, style, and a beautiful spirit.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Willie Mae and James Hadden Sr.; brothers James Calvin Hadden Jr., June Calvin Hadden, Dorsey Hadden, Curtis Hadden, and Eugene Hadden; and sisters Barbara Warren and Karen Hadden.
Left to cherish her memories are her brothers William (Ernestine) Hadden, Charles Hadden, and Walter Hadden; her daughters Di-Onetta Briscoe-DeJesus, Yvette Briscoe-Reed, Joyce Briscoe-Harp; sons-in-law Michael Reed, Neil Harp, and Renznick S. Pratt; grandchildren Nefertede (Sterling) Richards, Jordan DeJesus, Donivan Gray and his wife Melissa Gray, Michael Reed II, Justin DeJesus, and Jada DeJesus; great-grandchild Nayasha Richard, and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She leaves behind a loving family, devoted friends, and countless lives touched by her presence.
Joyce Urania Briscoe will be remembered not only for what she did, but for the joy she brought, the love she gave, and the light she shared wherever she went.
