Emma Denise Bluester passed away January 24, 2026, at her home in Wooster surrounded by family. She was born on May 28, 1957, to Martha Bluester and Phillip Riley. Emma attended Mansfield Senior High and was a graduate of the class of 1976.
Emma, commonly known as “Niecy”, loved spending time with her family and friends. Bingo was her game and she went about every day. She loved to fish and cook.
Niecy worked at Raintree as a dietician, Mansfield Foundry, Fuji and Magna-Power, retiring in 2020. After retirement, she spent most of her time volunteering and helping the homeless.
Niecy also loved church. While living in Mansfield she attended New Life Baptist Church. She also met her husband Jack Chester in Mansfield. Years later they both moved to Wooster, where she spent the rest of her days. She attended New Life Assembly Church of Wooster.
While living in Wooster, Niecy developed a friendship with Mrs. Sue Ellen. They had a special bond and shared a lot of laughter and bingo.
Niecy is survived by her mother, Martha Bluester of Mansfield, OH; husband, Jack Chester of Wooster, OH; siblings, Timothy Bluester of Mansfield, OH, Terri Bluester of Mansfield, OH, and Cassandra Preston (Chris) of Columbus, OH; four children, Tracey Eatmon (Antonio) of Mansfield, OH, Furnell Bluester of Akron, OH, Germaine Bluester of Lima, OH, and Lucretia Bluester (Ja’leel) of Cleveland, OH; grandchildren, Cedric, Teyron, Dierra, Timothy, Andrew, Cardiar, Destiny, Keyan, and Kaliyah, and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her father Phillip Riley, stepdad Julius Bluester, two aunts, Ruthel Rodgers and May Catherine Dickens, along with two siblings, Melvin and Toney Bluester.
Family and friends are invited to visitation on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 10:00AM-11:00AM at Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond Street, Mansfield, OH 44902. The funeral will be at 11:00AM. Burial will follow at Mansfield Cemetery.
