Emante Gabriel Cofield, Sr.

Emante Gabriel Cofield, Sr., endearingly known as “Poppa Bear” by family, was born on March 28, 1998, in Warren, Ohio, to

Delia Omosun and Emanuel Cofield Sr. He lived most of his life in Huntsville, Alabama, and in Columbus, Ohio. With a big

heart and an even bigger smile, Emante was a natural connector who easily made friends, was quick to help those in need,

and could effortlessly light up any room.

He was educated in the Huntsville school system, attending East Clinton Elementary, Huntsville Middle, Westlawn Middle,

and Huntsville High School. Emante was active in music and ministry throughout his youth. He sang in the school choir and at

Oakwood College Church, where he was a member of Sponge Kids for Christ. From childhood through adulthood, he stayed

active—participating in the Boys & Girls Club on James A. Lane, Boy Scouts, basketball, flag football, soccer, and later football

for Sting under Coach Gary Wolf and for Metro. He loved to flip — front and back — and he enjoyed singing, dancing, and

making people smile.

A determined self-starter, Emante earned his GED and took pride in working hard — whether building his own

entrepreneurial ideas or putting in hours at Arby’s, McDonald’s, and Walmart. He enjoyed fitness, fashion, reading, art, the

outdoors, video games like NBA2K, Madden, and Call of Duty, shopping, and creating memories with the people he loved. He

cared deeply about justice and second chances, and he never met a stranger — the kind of person who would literally give the

shoes off his feet or the shirt off his back if someone needed it.

Faith ran through the fabric of his life. He often carried the words: “May the Lord watch between me and thee, while we’re

absent one from another.” Music also marked his journey — especially songs like “Cross Me,” “Valuable Pain,” “Dope Lamp,” “I

Came Thru,” and “Survivor” by NBA YoungBoy; “Never Would’ve Made It” by Marvin Sapp; and “Sweet Lady” by Tyrese — a

tune he loved to sing to his mom.

He leaves a legacy of love to his children: Elandan King Gabriel Cofield, E’Marie Cofield, and Emante Gabriel Cofield Jr. He is

survived by his mother, Delia Omosun; his fathers, Emanuel Cofield Sr. and Menterra Gurley Sr.; his grandmother, Yvette

Omosun; and his grandfather, Irving Cofield. He is also lovingly remembered by his brothers Emanuel Cofield Jr., Menterra

Gurley Jr., Prince-Moses Moore, Elijah Cofield, Quayton Gurley, Emarie Cofield, Emmerich Cofield, Ezekiel Cofield, DaVone

Owens, Kashaun Williams, and Simeon Cofield; and his cherished sisters Emani Cofield, E’Asia Cofield, E’miya Cofield,

Ja’miya Cofield, Brionna Cofield, Raionna Cofield, Justice Cofield, Sarah Grafton, and Samantha Grafton. Countless aunts,

uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends will forever hold a deep love for him in their hearts. He was preceded in death by

his grandparents Sandra Bowler and Marvin Moore, Jr.

Though our hearts are heavy and our tears are real, we do not grieve without hope. We thank God for the years He allowed us

to share with Emante — for his laughter, his music, his movement, his bold love, and his unforgettable presence. His earthly

chapter has closed, but his spirit has not ended. We release him back to the One who gave him, trusting that he now rests in 

peace and in the care of God. Above all, he belonged to God.

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