OBSERVER Photo Photos of Emmaline Wilcox were displayed at the funeral Saturday.

SINCLAIRVILLE — Emmaline Wilcox was remembered as a “bright, friendly child” during funeral services Saturday.

Led by the Rev. Dr. Mark Hanson, pastor of the Jamestown Church of Nazarene, family and friends were in attendance at the Park United Methodist Church to mourn the life of Emma, who was a first-grader at Sinclairville Elementary School. “We come together to comfort and support one another in our common loss,” Hanson said.

Noting she excelled in math and spelling, Hanson said she loved being at school. “I was told she always gave her principal a hug every day,” he said.

Her passion revolved around dance, ballet and cheerleading. “She wanted to be a dance and ballet teacher when she grew up,” Hanson said. “She also enjoyed swimming and going to the beach, was a Girl Scout and loved cats; especially her grandpa’s cat that hissed at her.”

Hanson then noted her choice of food, noting her fondness of the “grape” restaurant. “Not McDonald’s, Olive Garden,” he said. “I don’t know of any 7-year-old that prefers Olive Garden over McDonald’s! But I like her taste, I would’ve liked her.”

He then spoke of her brother Wyatt, who referred to Emma as “the best sister.”

“Having a sister myself, it was a very rare thing to have a great sister. We need more Emmas in the world, encouragers and helpers.”

Hanson then called on the community to be there in the future for the family. “Encouragement in the way of prayers, stories of Emma and words of encouragement. Doing so we will honor Emma’s memory. We need cheerleaders in life. Life can be tough.”

Emma died Monday in a multi-vehicle crash on Route 60 in Pomfret. She was the daughter of Christopher and Shanna Johnson Wilcox.

A GoFundMe page has been established to help the family cover the funeral costs and other expenses. Jordan Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.