Emma Reece "Cheecha" English

It is with a heavy heart that I announce that my grandma, Emma Reece English, otherwise known as "Cheecha" or "Grandma Emma," has passed away at the age of 70 on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

Emma devoted her life to caring for and helping others. In her life, she took so many in and built a loving family she herself never had around her. She'd never not answer a phone call; she'd even pick up the spam ones, just to see if anyone needed help on the line.

Ever since I was born, my Cheecha has never left my side, and she's lived with my mom for pretty much most of my life.

Some of my fondest memories of her were just sitting down with her and talking, or debating world politics, hearing her stories (which were never not funny), or taking car rides to school with her every morning.

She was always very supportive of everyone, no matter what your dream was, however outlandish or silly, she'd try to make it happen. She was the first one to really ever hear me sing, and she gave me confidence in my voice. She was also one of the reasons my mom became a nurse, which had always been her biggest dream.

No matter who you were or where you came from, she'd listen to you, and in a way, you always felt like she understood you. I am honored to have had these sixteen (almost seventeen) wonderful years with this extraordinary lady, and if I could go back, then I would do it all again.

If there's one thing l've learned from these past couple of months, it's to never take a moment for granted you have with anyone.

If you still have your grandparents, if you have mom or dad, an aunt or uncle, next time you see them, tell them you love them, and maybe sit down and ask them for a story or two. Because every moment counts, and someday, when you look back, you'll remember those moments you had with them, you'll remember their struggles, their stories, because a little part of them always lives on through you.

~ A loving tribute to his "Cheecha" by: Christopher Neal

Emma will be missed by her children, Michelle Norris, Jeremy Norris, Joshua Norris (Stacey), Brandy Ellzey (Aaron); grandchildren, Deandra (Micheal), Taylor, Cadence, Sierra Wilson (Joshua), Kylen Norris (Samantha), Lily, Konner, Caleb, Christopher, Cameron; great grandchildren, Victoria, Aliyah, Emilee; 1 sister, many friends and extended family.

Emma celebrated her life with friends and family at 2:00pm on August 24, 2025, with a final message of: I love you. All of you!

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Services is deeply honored to be caring for the English family.