Emery L. Fears

Emery L. Fears (Chief), passed away suddenly on Thursday, January 12, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born in Tuskegee Institute, Alabama, on July 23, 1925, to Evadne Angers Fears and Emery Lewis Fears, Sr.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Cheryl Fears; a brother-Frederick Fears (Lois); a daughter-Cheryl Hutchinson (Harvey); a son-Jason Fears; a daughter-Ashlyn Fears; a grandson-Damien Huff; a granddaughter-Athea Hutchinson; a granddaughter-Olivia Williams; a granddaughter-Rhea Fears; a great granddaughter-Katrina Huff; a god daughter-Davida Hunter; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Mr. Fears was a member of Faith Deliverance Christian Center in Norfolk, Virginia, where he attended faithfully.

Affectionately known as “Chief“, Professor Fears is noted for his phenomenal ability to implement musical excellence, self-discipline and “Esprit de Corps” into the hearts of many students fortunate enough to be under his tutelage.  He consistently developed leaders who have proven themselves in many professions.  His concert bands at I.C. Norcom and Manor High Schools in Portsmouth, Virginia earned 18 consecutive Division (Superior) ratings in Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association Festivals.  His high school bands were recognized as being “of a particularly high standard of excellence at the national level” from 1960 to 1972 by the John Philip Sousa Foundation.  The Sousa Foundation elected I.C. Norcom High School Band to the Historic Roll of Honor of High School Concert Bands.

After many successful years as a music educator at the high school level, Mr. Fears accepted the position as Director of Bands at Norfolk State University in 1974.  He has earned the respect and admiration of his peers in the world of collegiate and military bands as the creator of the famed Norfolk State University Marching “Spartan Legion” Band and the university’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble.  The extraordinary concept and creation of the “Spartan Legion” were instrumental in catapulting Norfolk State University to national recognition.  The University’s Battle Hymn and War Cry, “Behold, the Green and Gold” originated with the Spartan Legion under Professor Fears’ direction and is heralded to this day at the University’s athletic events.