Hellen L. Stringer

Hellen Le Nora Littlejohn Stringer July 27, 1935 – September 28, 2026 A Life of Purpose, Service, Faith, and Love Born on July 27, 1935, in Gaffney, South Carolina, to Lucious Amont Littlejohn Sr. and Ella Mae Jones Littlejohn, Hellen Le Nora Littlejohn Stringer was the youngest of eleven children. Raised in a household rich with faith, love, and determination, Hellen was instilled with values that would guide her remarkable journey. Hellen was a dreamer from the start. Despite the challenges she faced as a young Black woman with aspirations of becoming a ballet dancer, she learned to tread her own path with courage and perseverance. Her faith was nurtured at Limestone Baptist Church in Gaffney, where she became a member at a young age. An exemplary student, she graduated with honors from Grenard High School at just 16. Her thirst for knowledge propelled her to Tennessee A&I University, and later, her journey took her to Cleveland, Ohio, where she continued her education at Kent University and Cuyahoga Community College. It was in Cleveland that she met and married Mack Stringer, and together they welcomed two children, Ella Marie and Mark Edward, who were among her greatest joys. Hellen’s professional career began in the medical field as a messenger, but her intelligence and dedication saw her rise to the role of the first Black chief assistant medical record librarian at Metropolitan County General Hospital. A move to Los Angeles did not deter her spirit when job opportunities in her field were scarce; instead, she returned to college, earning a bachelor's degree in English and a life teaching credential in elementary education. A passionate educator, Hellen dedicated nearly 35 years to the Long Beach Unified School District, where she started as a classroom teacher and became a specialist in mathematics, language arts, and reading. Her commitment to education extended beyond her students to her peers as she became a steadfast advocate for teachers’ rights through the Teachers Association of Long Beach (TALB), serving as a pioneering Black member of the Board of Directors for 15 years. Her service did not stop at education. Hellen was involved with numerous organizations including the NAACP, Top Ladies of Distinction, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Her efforts were recognized with honors such as the Golden Apple's Who Award, Excellence in Teaching awards, and multiple accolades from her sorority and church. Hellen’s talents were multifaceted; in 1998, she began modeling for Sophisticated Silks, becoming the first Black native model to appear in the Gaffney Leader, a testament to her enduring spirit and grace. Predeceased by her parents, siblings, grandson Kelvin Pettis, and son Mark Stringer, Hellen leaves behind a loving family: her daughter Ella Wheeler, son-in-law Crawford Wheeler, grandsons Anthony Baker and Gabriel Kidd, and granddaughters Darneisha Kidd, Camisha Wheeler, and Ariana Wheeler. While Hellen’s earthly journey has concluded, her legacy endures in the lives she touched and the hearts she inspired. Her family shares a special message: “In Loving Memory of Hellen Le Nora Littlejohn Stringer.” In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice in honor of Hellen’s legacy of service and love. May her light continue to guide us, and may her memory be a blessing to all who knew her. Rest in peace, dear Hellen, knowing your legacy lives on through us.