It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that the Cassell, Diggs, Etheridge, Brown and Embree families announce the passing of their beloved daughter, sister, mother, niece and aunt, Sardia Adrienne Cassell. This unexpected and unfortunate event took place on Saturday, August 8, 2026 while she was on vacation.
Born on April 13, 1992 in Providence, RI, Sardia was the daughter of the late Joel M. Cassell, Jr. and Joan Cassell (Diggs). Sardia grew up in Providence and graduated from William B. Cooley High School before relocating to New Jersey to attend Rutgers University.
Sardia was a dedicated nurse who approached her work the way she approached life — with heart, devotion, and purpose. Although she loved being a nurse, Sardia’s greatest love was being a devoted and loving mother to her daughter, Cassandra ‘Cassie’ Toby, who was her everything.
Sardia loved her family deeply and would make plans for everyone to get together. Whenever music was playing, Sardia was guaranteed to be on the dance floor. She was the life of the party. Her smart wit and humor made her an absolute joy to be around. Sardia really knew how to make people laugh, feel comfortable and have a good time. An avid traveler, she loved to visit other countries and often had her next adventure planned. Sardia truly wanted to see the world.
Sardia was preceded in death by her father, the late Joel M. Cassell Jr., grandfathers, the late Joseph W. Diggs and the late Joel M. Cassell, Sr, and grandmother the late Helen V. Brown, as well as several aunts and uncles. She is survived by her daughter, Cassandra ‘Cassie’ Toby (and Cassie’s father, Caswin Toby), her mother Joan Cassell, her sisters Gloria Joseph (husband Rodny Joseph) and Joelle Cassell, her brothers Joel M. Cassell III and Alexander Telfer, her niece Genesis Cassell, nephews Tristan Joseph and Titan Joseph, grandmothers and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and Godchildren.
The family humbly asks for your continued prayers, love and support during this difficult time.
Celebration of Life:
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Calvary Baptist Church
747 Broad St. Providence, RI 02907
Wakekeeping
9AM-10AM
Funeral Service
10AM-12PM
Interment will follow immediately after the funeral service
Dress Code: In celebration of Sardia’s lively, vibrant spirit, the family kindly asks that guests avoid wearing black. Please feel free to wear bright, colorful attire in her honor.
For family contact and additional information, please contact:
Gloria Joseph – 401-808-2739
Joelle Cassell – 401-626-9658
Marcus Wilson – 803-466-7230
Maude Nimley – 401-954-1534
Sardia Cassell-Cooper – 952-261-3194
Pandora Brown-Serckpor – 727-288-8346
For contributions in loving memory of Sardia:
Cashapp or Zelle please contact Gloria Joseph at 401-808-2739
https://www.gofundme.com/f/bring-sardia-home-and-support-cassie
Lodging recommendations:
Providence Marriott Downtown
1 Orms St. Providence, RI 02904
401-272-2400
Hilton Hotel Providence
21 Atwells Avenue Providence, RI 02903
401-467-6900
Hampton Inn Pawtucket
2 George St. Pawtucket, RI 02860
401-723-6700
Fairfield Inn & Suites Providence Airport Warwick
1940 Post Rd, Warwick, RI 02886
401-732-0900
