Nze Edward Okereke

 With deep sorrow and sadness, we announce the departure of a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Nze Edward Chukwuemeka Okereke from this world to be with his heavenly Father and Lord, on January 13, 2024, at his home in Bowie, Maryland after a long illness. He peacefully passed away holding his wife, Elizabeth’s, hand and surrounded by his family.

Edward was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother to his children and siblings. He impacted everyone he touched, and he touched many lives. He was a leader, a visionary, and an educator. He was a dignified gentleman, loving, giving, and caring. He was a highly principled man and a disciplinarian. Edward was a man of the people, he had no enemies and was easily forgiving. He was always ready to help. He loved music and loved to play tennis.

Edward was born to Mr. and Mrs. John and Cathrine Okereke in Ekwerazu, Ahiazu-Mbaise in Imo State. He obtained his high school diploma from Holy Ghost College, Owerri in Imo State with a scholarship. He was the first in his village to obtain a high school diploma. He then went on to teacher’s training college at Bishop Shanahan Normal, in Orlu, Imo State. 

After obtaining his teaching certificate, he took a job as a high school teacher for four years. While teaching, he studied at home and took advanced level G.C.E. He passed all his papers and got admission to University of Nigeria Nsukka. He obtained a bachelor's degree in sociology and went on to become the first black principal of Eyiogugu Secondary School, in Owerri. He was also the first person to obtain a bachelor’s degree in his village. 

He started his career as a secondary school administrator from Eyiogugu Secondary School. He was transferred to several secondary schools to rebuild them especially if that school has very low pass rate in the WACE and Joint Admission and Matriculation entrance examination. He held this position for 31 years. When he migrated to the US, he worked for FDA as a security officer and various other places before he finally retired in 2010.

Edward Chukwuemeka Okereke was the Nze of his village and acted as the Judge, mediator, and arbitrator of his village disputes. He was vibrant and sociable. He celebrated his birthday every 31st of December as a means of getting his friends and family to spend time together at the end of each year. In Nigeria before he migrated to the United States, it was a means of feeding the poor.

Edward is survived his wife, Elizabeth Okereke; his children, grandchildren, great- grand children, brothers, sister and many nieces and nephews.