Theresa was born in Nigeria on April 6, 1951 to the late Thomas and Veronica Obi. After her husband, Godfrey Emenaka, passed away suddenly, Theresa immigrated to the United States seeking a better life for herself and her young children. Working full-time and raising her two small children, she managed to put herself through college, earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Bloomfield College in less than three years.
She started her career as a Catholic school teacher, eventually making her way into business. Her passion for children never left her as she launched several successful businesses in childcare, while owning several residential properties. As impressive as that is, her most significant accomplishment is her family. Theresa has the biggest heart and there is nothing that brought more joy to her than being in the presence of her family and providing for them.
She is survived by her daughter Stella Evans (Ryan); her son Obinna Emenaka (Stephanie); and her son Michael Chieloka Jeffers; her brother Joseph Obi and her sister Nkeiruka Akupue; her seven grandchildren Tamara, Ryan Jr., and Josh Evans; Kyle, Mason, and Elena Emenaka; Ariella Jeffers; and her great-grandchildren Mariah, Nadia, and Adyn Evans.
Services for Theresa will be held privately under the direction of Smith-McCracken Funeral Home.
