Julia Hart Box

Julia Hart Box was born in Chicago, Illinois to Harry Hart and Mary Ann Mikshunas Hart on October 24, 1927. She graduated from The University of Alabama and Tulane University School of Medicine.

She was the first female anesthesiologist in Mobile. She was instrumental in the revision of licensing requirements for area ambulances. She helped start the School of Anesthesia for nurses and served as its Dean: she also helped start respiratory therapy departments at numerous hospitals around the southeastern states.

In 2021, she was recognized by WKRG as the Remarkable Woman of the Gulf Coast.

Dr. Box is survived by three children: Michael Box (Cheryl) of Satsuma, Alabama; Cathy Arriola (Steve) of Poway, California; and James Box (Coleen) of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; eleven grandchildren: Julie Arriola (Billy Perkins) of Oceanside, California; David Arriola (Juliana) of Springfield, Virginia; Nathan Arriola of La Mesa, California; John Arriola of Sacramento, California; Rachel Arriola (James Spaite) of Pasadena, California; Joel Arriola of San Diego, California; Will Box (Dana) of Burlington, Vermont; Natasha Key (Trevor) of Temecula, California; Caleb Box of Poway, California; Jessica Chapa (Mike) of Decatur, Alabama; and Michael Bozeman of Mobile, Alabama; five great-grandchildren: Benjamin and Emilia Arriola of Springfield, Virginia; Gabby Sharron of Seoul, South Korea; Shalyn Bozeman of Eight Mile, Alabama; and Lydia Chapa of Decatur, Alabama; niece Cecilia Bush of Satsuma, Alabama; and other cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday September 6, 2025, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Mt. Vernon, Alabama. A reception in Dr. Box’s memory will be from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM that afternoon at 5671 Laurel Drive, Satsuma, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Indian College Fund.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the medical staff of USA Providence Hospital and the hospice staff of Saad’s.