Joyce D. Floyd

Obituary of Joyce Dagmar Marie Brady Floyd

A Life of Faith, Family and Fierce Love

Joyce Dagmar Marie Brady Floyd was born on April 26, 1939, at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Jack Brady and Dagmar Hawkins Brady. She was the granddaughter of Maud “Mauber” Ortiga, a standout athlete at Media High School in her day, and the cherished great-granddaughter of the late Josepha and William H. Ridley, a trailblazer who became the first African American member of the Delaware County Bar Association in 1891.

Educated in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Joyce graduated from Media High School in 1956. Her greatest source of happiness was her three children, Suzette, Lewis, and Michael, whom she shared with her former husband, Lewis M. Irving. In later years, Joyce married Joseph Floyd. Although they eventually went their separate ways, they remained married and were an important presence in one another’s lives until her passing.

After moving to Philadelphia, Joyce became an independent and self-sufficient woman. She took great pride in caring for herself and her family and approached life with determination and quiet strength. She began her working life at Grant’s 5 & 10 store and later held several cashier positions. Seeking greater opportunity, she transitioned to a career at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, where she worked as a Certified Central Service Technician. Joyce faithfully served the hospital for 35 years before retiring in 2005 at the age of 65.

Faith played a central role in Joyce’s life. With a Catholic father and an Episcopalian mother, she embraced both traditions. She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church and also confirmed in the Episcopal Church in 1952 as a teenager. While living in Philadelphia, she attended St. Agatha–St. James Catholic Church at 38th and Chestnut Streets. When visiting her beloved Aunt Helena in Media, she worshipped at Christ Episcopal Church on Orange Street. When her children were young and the family lived in Media, Joyce made it a priority to take them to church.

While living in Philadelphia, Joyce was also blessed by the steady presence of her cousin Paul Roberts, who was always willing to lend a hand—whether fixing a pipe, helping around the house, or simply sitting and chatting. She was deeply grateful for the time and care he gave and often spoke fondly of him and their visits together.

Joyce embraced life fully and found joy in both simple pleasures and spirited pastimes. An avid football fan, she loved the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys and would faithfully watch NFL games all day on Sundays.

She also enjoyed working on puzzles, crocheting, crafts, reading, watching television, especially game shows, and listening to music. Dancing, particularly line dancing, brought her special delight. Her favorite line dances were Jazzy Lady and Salem Girl, and in 2023 she proudly won a bop contest, proof that her moves were still as lively as ever. She loved the beach and never missed an opportunity to shop or dress up for a social occasion. But Joyce’s favorite pastime was going to the casino to play the slots with her girlfriends.

Joyce cherished traveling to Atlanta to spend time with her daughter, Suzette, and her family, creating treasured memories together. In her later years, she moved from Philadelphia to Chester to be closer to her sons Lewis and Michael and her grandchildren. She especially enjoyed weekly breakfast outings with Lewis, his wife Francine, and her grandchildren, which became a cherished routine.

Joyce shared a special bond with her granddaughter Brandice, who became her companion on shopping trips and everyday errands. She was also deeply grateful for the devoted and compassionate care provided by her son Michael and his wife Adriene, who faithfully accompanied her to medical appointments and lovingly looked after her needs. Their support allowed her to maintain dignity, independence, and peace in her later years.

Joyce expressed her love in thoughtful and tangible ways. She delighted in giving cards to her loved ones for nearly every holiday, often including a small monetary gift inside, a meaningful gesture that reflected her generosity and desire to bless family and friends.

One of Joyce’s most meaningful recent experiences was traveling to Miami, Florida, in June to attend her granddaughter Gabrielle’s wedding. Despite her medical diagnosis, she delighted in the celebration and joyfully danced, a testament to her enduring spirit, resilience, and unwavering love for her family.

Joyce will be remembered for her devotion to family, her strong work ethic, her deep faith, her independence, her vibrant personality, and the quiet grace with which she lived her life. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the family she loved so dearly.

She was predeceased by her parents, Jack and Dagmar Brady; her grandmother, Maud “Mauber” Ortiga; and her special aunts, Helena Miller, Josepha Allen, and Nina Randolph.

She is survived by many who adored her: her children, Suzette M. Randolph; Dr. Lewis M. Hunt-Irving (Francine); and Michael L. Hunt-Irving (Adriene); her grandchildren, Dr. Lewis Hunt-Irving (Aimee), Sterling K. Hill, Brittany L. Soto (Mario), Brandice J. Irving, Pastor Branden J. Irving (Monica), Marcellus M. Irving (Deanna), Dr. Brenden “Emilio” Irving, Gabrielle S. Johnson (Nazeeh), Christina A. Randolph, Braden F. Hunt-Irving, and Breanna F. Hunt-Irving; her great-grandchildren, Lucas, Micah, Cameron, Cooper, Mario, Hailey Jade, Ariella, Elias, Taliyah, and Azariah; her godchildren, Melanie Moat Rodriguez and Connie Ortiga; her “play” granddaughter Kim Gaines Thomas; and a host of other relatives and wonderful friends.

Guided by faith throughout her life, Joyce now rests in God’s eternal care, reunited with loved ones and embraced in everlasting peace.

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