Emeka Columbus Ibemere Sr., native named Chukwuemeka Christopher Columbus Ibemere, of Erie, passed away expectantly on January 27, 2021. He was born on September 13, 1957 in Lagos, Nigeria to the late Mazi Theophilus Ejimonye Ibemere and Fidelia Ohanyerem Ibemere.

Emeka accepted Christ at a young age back home in Nigeria. He was raised Catholic and participated in his community parish. He later continued his faith at Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel when he came to Erie, Pa to further his educational opportunities. He also enjoyed going to worship services held by local African communities.

Emeka was passionate about pursuing education. He received his Associate degree in Electrical Engineering in Nigeria, at Gannon University; he received his Associate degree in Pre-Law, Bachelor degree in Criminal Justice, and Master's degree in Public Administration. He encouraged every young person he came across to pursue higher education to better their lives.

Emeka worked in social services for his entire career. He always worked multiple jobs at once, working tirelessly to provide for his family whom he loved very much. He was employed by agencies such as Case Management Services in every aspect of services, SCI Albion as a Counselor II, Stairways Behavioral as a supervisor, and then as a Mental Health Professional, to his last employer, Erie County Office of Children and Youth as a Case Worker Specialist in truancy.

Emeka was involved in community work for the under-served. He was one of the original members of the board of directors for My Father's House, now named Grace House, a shelter for women. This was a new concept in Erie. He was a member of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, supporting African Americans working in the criminal justice field.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Leo Ibemere of Nigeria, brother-in-laws John Miller of Columbus, MS, and Myron P. Thomas of Medina, OH, uncle-in-law Mack Bean Sr. of Erie, PA.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 28 years, Kathy Ann Thomas Ibemere, a son Emeka Christopher Columbus Ibemere Jr, a daugher Fedelia Julia Ade Ibemere, and mother-in-law Julia M Thomas, all of Erie, PA, brothers Innocent Ibemere, Charles Ibemere, and Okey Ibemere and their wives, all of Nigeria, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends here and abroad. The family would like to thank Drs. Stella Dogun and David Overrare, who were his close friends.

The family wishes that one would donate to City Mission's Grace House, or any charity helping to improve the lives of the under-served.

Friends may visit with the family at Greater Calvary Full Gospel Baptist Church, 2624 German St. on Saturday, February 6, 2021, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, where the home going service will immediately follow, with Bishop Jesse N. Gavin eulogizing. Interment will be at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. Professional services are entrusted to Pitts Funeral Home, 2926 Pine Avenue, Erie, Pa 16504. All CDC guidelines will be followed and everyone must wear a mask.