Janice Faye Box

Mrs. Janice Faye Box, 74, died Sunday, June 9, 2024, at her home in Oxford, MS. The funeral will be Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with Pastor Eric George officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 9:30 A.M. Burial will follow the service at 2:00 P.M. in Friendship Cemetery in Guntown, MS.

Janice was born on August 12, 1949, in Baldwyn, MS, to the late Doris Marie Miller and John Perry Duncan. For the first 10 years of her life, she was the only girl amongst her brother and cousins, as they grew up on the family dairy farm. She learned to hold her own against the boys, but was thrilled when she was finally gifted two sisters as companions. Janice attended Northeast Mississippi Community College, where she met her future husband, Virgil. Though she was too shy to approach him, he graciously took the lead, and the pair later married in 1973. Janice went on to attend Delta State University, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. In 1977, the two relocated to Oxford, where Janice enrolled at The University of Mississippi to continue her education, before starting a career with Southbank.

They welcomed their daughter, Lauren, expanding into a small, but complete family. Janice soon knew no greater love than being a mother, finding the greatest fulfillment and joy in her life. In 2002, she retired, allowing more time to be spent with Virgil. Together they attended North Oxford Baptist Church and The Orchard, and Janice enjoyed volunteer work with the Kiwanis Club of Oxford. They treasured trips to Florida and Montana, unable to decide which they loved more – the sweeping mountain views or beautiful emerald sea. Janice relished days spent in her garden, tending to both her flowers and vegetables.

She was a devoted and loving wife and mother, and thought that she had all she’d ever wanted in life, until she became a grandmother. She and Virgil learned quickly that while they thought raising their daughter was the best days of their lives, it didn’t hold a candle to being grandparents. Janice’s heart quickly doubled in size, completely in love with her new grandson, Christian. As he grew, she took on the role of doting grandmother with ease, providing endless love to him and priceless support to Lauren. Of course, she’d already modeled for her how to be the perfect mom, leaving with her now a lifetime of wisdom and love.

Janice is survived by her husband of over 50 years, Virgil Box; daughter, Lauren Box Hitchcock and her husband, Travis, of Oxford, MS; sisters, Sandra Warren and her husband, Dean, of Baldwyn, MS and Pam Duncan of Baldwyn, MS; brother, Van Duncan and his wife, Carol, of Montgomery, AL; and grandson, Christian Hitchcock.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Janice’s memory may be made to Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 968 County Road 2578, Guntown, Mississippi 38849.