Emma Eliza Day Box, 93, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025 in Lincoln, Neb. Born on July 3, 1931, in Benton County, Miss., she was the seventh child of Carl Roscoe Day and Ollie Lee Elliot Day. For most of her life, Emma called Stewart, Miss. home where she enjoyed a rich community and friends that were more like family. Emma was a long-time member of the Huntsville Church of Christ and stayed connected to that community even after moving to Nebraska a few years back.
She was married to the love of her life, Glynn Dillard Box, for over 50 years. To hear them tell the story, the first night they met he carried her off the basketball court mid game after she sustained an injury then immediately declared he had found the woman he would marry. Together they raised three children.
A woman of strength and joy, Emma never let age define her spirit. Sledding and mini golf are activities she took on for the first time somewhere north of 80. Lively games of Spinner and Hand and Foot (always played by her rules) were a trademark and a near daily occurrence. “Miss Emma” never really met a stranger; her sweet disposition and Southern drawl made her a favorite of all she met.
Through every hardship and tragedy, Emma remained a beacon of unwavering faith and deep joy. Her life was a testament to resilience and her legacy will continue to inspire all who knew her.
She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Norton (preceded in death by her husband, Kim) and daughter, Jennifer Ellis, her husband, John; grandchildren, Carley (Brad) Lafler, Josh (Adriana) Norton, Nicholas (Nicole) Norton, and Brad (Mia) Ellis. Her “Mamaw” joy multiplied with the arrival of each of her great-grandchildren: Luke, Halle, Ana, Ella, Sofia, Jackson, Kaleb, Juliet, Alex, Owen, Oliver, Nora, and a baby boy expected in October 2025. She is also survived by her beloved younger sister, Christine “Teen” Jennings who was not just her sister but her lifelong friend, as well as many nieces and nephews.
We rejoice in the heavenly reunions she celebrated with all those gone before including her husband (Glynn), son (Glynn Jr.) and her siblings — Waitstill Day, Anna Lee Graves, Frank Day, Melba Grisham, Charlotte Edmiston, and Virginia Hayes.
In place of a traditional visitation, the family invites friends and loved ones to a casual gathering at Huntsville Church of Christ on Sunday, June 29, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., a meal and ice cream will be provided. A viewing will be held on Monday, June 30, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., followed by a service at 10 a.m. at the church. Mr. Nathan Wright will officiate the service. A funeral procession to Milligan Springs Cemetery will immediately follow the service. Pallbearers will be Nic Norton, Josh Norton, Brad Ellis, Luke Lafler, Brad Lafler, Jimmy Clark and John Ellis.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to the Huntsville Church of Christ, PO Box 26, French Camp, MS 39745.
Oliver Funeral Home of Winona is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.ofhwinona.com
