Erika McAfee-Levan's Obituary
In a life that radiated light, brilliance, and love, Erika McAfee-Levan touched countless hearts and left a legacy that will echo for generations. On June 14, 2025, at the age of 49, Erika passed away.
She was born on March 17, 1976, in Fort Riley, Kansas, to her loving parents, Pastor Willie G. McAfee and Glenda (McAfee) Cheathams, who were united in marriage during his military service and later divorced.
From the beginning, Erika was a light—brilliant, self-driven, and deeply compassionate. A true genius before her time, she didn’t need reminders or motivation to succeed. Her ambition was born within. She approached learning with passion, always eager to stretch her mind and help others along the way. Even after marrying young, Erika refused to let anything stand in the way of her dreams. Many recall the moving image of her gently rocking her babies over her knee while finishing her college homework—gracefully blending motherhood with the pursuit of higher learning.
Erika graduated from high school in Sacramento, California, and later built a remarkable life and career grounded in purpose, excellence, and care. She blossomed into a confident, vibrant woman of vision who traveled the world with curiosity and joy—often alongside her beloved husband or a cherished circle of friends. Her relationships were rooted in authenticity, and her friendships were marked by fierce loyalty, wisdom, and grace.
A trailblazer in the field of mental health, Erika became a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and went on to found Levan Counseling & Consulting—a reflection of her commitment to healing, especially within the Black community. She mentored and supervised upcoming therapists, always lifting others as she climbed. At the time of her passing, Erika was preparing to relaunch her company as Emerging Journeys Collective, another bold step on her lifelong mission to create spaces of transformation.
Her expertise was respected nationwide. Erika was featured on three episodes of the TV One series Fatal Attraction, offering her thoughtful insights on complex human behavior. She was also a sought-after speaker whose clarity and compassion made her a trusted voice on topics ranging from trauma to resilience.
Though she wore many hats—counselor, entrepreneur, speaker, mentor—Erika’s heartbeat loudest for her family. She poured herself into every role with devotion and joy. She was a steady presence, a voice of wisdom, and a source of strength to those she loved most.
Erika is survived by her devoted husband, Kerry Levan, and their children, Kerry Levan ll. and Hayley Levan, as well as her treasured granddaughter, Halo Hickman, who was her absolute joy. She also leaves behind her mother, Glenda Cheathams, and stepmother, Joan McAfee; her siblings: Tia (Rev. Chris) Hildreth, Erik McAfee (her beloved twin), and Joané (Donovan) Booth; and her nieces and nephews: Erik McAfee Jr., Zyonna McAfee, Tayvion McAfee, Saraya Hildreth, Nadia Hildreth, Weston Booth, Cambry Booth, and Arya Booth.
She is also lovingly remembered by her grandparents, Fletcher (Thomasine) McAfee and Alice Clay; great-nieces and great-nephews; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear family friends. Among them are two of her oldest and dearest friends, Regina Draper Griffin and Sondra Lane, who stood by her throughout life.
Erika was preceded in death by her father, Pastor Willie G. McAfee, whose teachings and example helped shape her extraordinary journey.
With a heart full of service and a spirit that never stopped evolving, Erika McAfee-Levan leaves behind a legacy of love, brilliance, and unwavering dedication to others. Her light continues to shine through every life she touched. We celebrate her not just for what she achieved, but for who she was—a visionary, a healer, a mother, a friend, and a woman of extraordinary faith and purpose.
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