"I'm so profoundly sorry for your loss. Your father and husband, Dr. Joe Emeka, and my father, Dr. Emeka Ofobike, went to school together as young men at Western Illinois. While we never met our Uncle Joe, throughout our childhood my Dad regaled us with tales of their exploits in Macomb. His name was as known to us as our own and in that way, I always felt we were family. Through my own father's recent health challenges, yours has called consistently to check in and offer support. It's been a wonderful gift. My family will always be grateful for that, and for the lifetime of memories our fathers shared together. We share your grief today and pray for your strength and comfort in knowing your father and husband was a good man and much loved. God bless you. "
In loving memory of
Joseph Ekemezie Emeka
October 23, 1949 - December 4, 2020
The late Dr. Ekemezie Joseph Emeka was born to the late Mr. Ogbuevi Emeka Onochie and Madam Iyom Anedu Maria Emeka (nee Obiorah Nwadegbu) in Umueze Anam in Anambra State, Nigeria on October 23, 1949. He was the youngest of four children. At birth, he was known as Ekemezie Emeka. Upon completing catechism and being baptized in the Catholic Church later in life, he chose the name of his favorite Saint, Joseph. His father died on January 7, 1953. At the time of his father's death, Ekemezie was just 4 years old. Mike, his immediate elder brother was 11. Nnodu, his sister, was 16, and his eldest brother, Igwe John Emeka was 21.
Like many children growing up in the community along Omabala (River Anambra), Ekemezie would set fish traps and assist the family with farming. This type of work usually leads to a life of becoming a skilled fisherman or manual farmer. At a young age, Ekemezie disliked manual farming in the intense tropical sun and leaned towards fishing. He became quite adept and enjoyed fishing throughout his lifetime.
In the community during that time, attending school was not compulsory. However, Ekemezie's father discerned his intellectual ability at a young age, thereby advocating for his access to schooling. Ekemezie moved from the farm settlement to the main village where the community school was located and became known as "umu akwukwo," which translates to "Intellectuals in training." While attending both high school in Awka and St. Timothy's College Yaba, Lagos, Ekemezie excelled in academics.
In the meantime, he was forced to withdraw from school when the Nigeria Civil War broke out in 1967 and moved back to the village. After the war in 1970, he attended St. Patrick's College Asaba to complete his studies. While in school he discovered his passion for Mathematics. He also enjoyed playing and watching sports, especially soccer and tennis, and would later prove to be an excellent tennis player. Upon completing his high school education, Ekemezie left for the United States to pursue higher education as an international student.
He completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL in 1975. In 1983 he earned his Master of Studies Degree in Mathematics from the University of Missouri in Colombia, MO; followed by his Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics Education in 1985. While attending the University of Missouri, Dr. Emeka held the title of President of the Nigerian Students' Union. Soon after earning his Ph.D., Dr. Emeka accepted a position as a Mathematics Professor at Columbia College.
The deceased met his wife, Emma Emeka, in Peoria, IL during his brief attendance at Bradley University. She was a foreign exchange student from Monrovia, Liberia. Their journey began with his request for her to dance after meeting at a party. While getting acquainted, she became attracted to the spiritual connection they shared through their in-depth conversations. They were united in holy matrimony on November 4, 1978. The union was blessed with six children, four boys, and two girls, who affectionately referred to him as "Papa".
In 1990, Dr. Emeka and his family moved to Quincy, IL where he joined Quincy University's faculty as an Assistant Professor of Mathematics. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 1994. Then in 1997, he assumed the responsibilities of Chairman of The Division of Science and Mathematics. In 2000, he was appointed Vice President for Academic Affairs and returned to the classroom as Professor of Mathematics in 2002. In 2011, he retired. While at Quincy University, Dr. Emeka helped revise the mathematics curriculum and was instrumental in increasing the number of students choosing mathematics as their major field of study.
In retirement, Dr. Emeka loved to spend time with his family and friends. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed reading for leisure and listening to his favorite records. In 2018, he returned to the classroom as a Mathematics Instructor at John Wood Community College, a testament to his endearing love of mathematics and education.
The late Dr. Ekemezie Jospeh Emeka joined the Lord on the 4th Day of December 2020. He leaves to mourn his death, wife: Emma Panie Emeka; children: Onochie Ezeanata Emeka (Donna Kay Emeka); Nnabuife Oyene Emeka; Aniemeke Ubaka Emeka; Chikwado Uchenna Emeka; Okwuchelu Anedu-Florence Emeka Dada (Akorede Saliu Adeboye Alani Dada); Chioma Monique Emeka; and grandchildren: Olivia Adaeze Emeka, Andre Malik Chukwuma Emeka, Noah Alexander Jideofor Emeka, Otavian Kenechi Emeka, Maelyn Margaret Emeka, Owen Ifeanyichukwu Emeka, Zayden Evans Emeka, Lola Nkechie Emeka, many nephews, nieces, cousins, and a community of loving friends.
For more information, please click the following link: https://www.forevermissed.com/ekemezie-joseph-emeka/
Services: 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with Rev. Joe Zimmerman, OFM officiating. Please bring a mask if you plan on attending the service. To attend Dr. Emeka's service remotely (or to view a recording for up to 90 days), please join us by using the following link: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/36276229
Visitation: 7:00 - 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home. Please bring a mask if you plan on attending the visitation.
Burial: St. Charles Memorial Gardens in St. Charles, MO.
Memorials: To the family for expenses c/o Aniemeke Emeka. Memorial Donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"Papas ..Man!! Its hard you gone but i kniw you be around looking down on fam. We met in 2000 when i moved here in Quincy IL, and just welcomed me as another son. You told me not to ever give up in whatever I am doing. You bought me that first meal when i had walked all day with out a meal at mcdonalds, when i was homeless. You invited over your house and i met your beautiful family. A Family i am proud to call family to this day. You gave me that nickname "Mambas" which i also gave you. Whenever i needed to vett over those tough times, you always made time. I came to your office at Quincy University several times a week to just talk because i had no where go and anyone to talk. You never at any time refused to speak to me. You bought bus tickets so i can go around look for a job while my school plans were on hold. A month before you passed, on thanksgiving i texted you about my upcoming graduation, you shared your well wishes. And to keep you posted when my graduatiom comes close. You didnt make make it. Your loving wife, chikdren, grand children, family allover the world, people you have met, we are going to miss you. For your remembrance, i will be have printing and framing your text message and place it to my Diploma. With that,I Salute you PAPS !! Thank you."
"Joe Emeka was my friend. When we moved in down the street from the Emeka family, the bond between our families was immediate and enduring. My memories of this good man include community advice to new graduates at their parties (a fine tradition we have adopted), joyously joining in our dance parties with his David Byrne dance moves, enjoying hotter peppers than anyone I knew (as well as stockfish and foofoo), working on unsolved math problems for fun while watching tennis, paddling a canoe while standing (OG SUP), and just always with a really big smile and hearty greeting. Good juju, 100%. Heartfelt condolences to the who Emeka family, who we remember often and miss dearly."
"I\'m so sorry for your loss! Dr. Emeka was my favorite teacher at Quincy (College) University as he was so helpful and patient! He was a great math teacher! Rest in peace, Dr. Emeka!"
"I am sorry to lose Joe. He was the finest Mathematics teacher I have ever met during my 46 years as an educator at the secondary and college level. He was also a friend and a fishing companion. Dr. Al Pogge"
"The loss of a great man leaves a hole in all our hearts. "