Emma Runion
Southport, N.C. — Emma J. Nash Runion, 94, passed away at her home in Southport, N.C., on February 2, 2018, surrounded by her loving family.
Jo was born in Sullivan, Ind., daughter of the late Porter and Roxie Dix. She grew up there with her six brothers and sisters. A graduate of Sullivan High School, Jo went on to attend Purdue University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in education and biology. While there, she was president of Kappa Delta Pi and a merit scholar. Later, she attended Eastern Connecticut State University where she graduated with a master’s degree in education.
She loved painting, playing the piano, reading, gardening, traveling, and enjoying time with family. She was employed by the Groton Public Schools and the Brunswick County Schools as a home economics/health teacher. She was involved in churches wherever she lived and held numerous offices, including being an elder, deaconess, superintendent of Sunday School, and on the church council. Jo was also a volunteer at Dosher Memorial Hospital, a Gray Lady during WWII, judge for 4-H groups and county fairs in Indiana, United Way board member for a three-county area, vice president of Women’s Club, the Garden Club, and the cancer fund drive for Brunswick County, co-founder of The 55 and Older Club, and officer of numerous academic honor societies.
Jo will be especially missed by her three daughters, Jean Nash of Ledyard, Conn., Mary Anne Wilder and fiancé Mark Robbins of Oak Island, N.C., and Deborah Gustafson and husband Al of New Bern, N.C.; seven grandchildren, Bill, Jeff, Chris, Emma Christina (Chrissy), Ashley, Alisia, Kari; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her first husband Bill of 45 years, and second husband Sam of 17 years; her parents; and six siblings.
Jo’s warmth and kindness will be remembered by all that knew and loved her.
Her family wishes to thank her doctor, Coastal Companion Care, and Lower Cape Fear Hospice for the care and compassion shown to her over the past years.
There will be no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service celebrating her life at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7, at Bethel United Methodist Church, 3909 Business 17 E., Bolivia, N.C., with Reverend Karen Howell and Reverend Mark Murphy officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jo’s name to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28401; The American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060-9979; or to Bethel United Methodist Church, PO Box 403, Bolivia, NC 28422.
Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.
Peacock-Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, N.C.