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 as 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.
