Elma Earlene Stringer

Mrs. Elma Earlene Stringer was born November 12, 1927, to Daisy and Albertine Warren in Portland, Arkansas. In 1936 the family relocated to Dermott, AR. She graduated from Chicot County High School in 1945. Upon graduation she attended and graduated from the beauty/barber school in McGehee, AR. After working as a beautician for a year she realized that was not for her.

In 1948, she met and married Sterling Stringer. They had no biological children, but Elma became "Auntie" to all 10 of her sister's children and their offspring. She took her role as "Auntie" seriously and all her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great nephews have their own stories of Auntie.

In 1949 Elma united with then Centennial Baptist Church under the pastorage of Rev. S. B. Scott. In 1973 the church was renamed Indiana Street Baptist Church. She served this church for 73 years. Mrs. Stringer served as Sunday School teacher to adult class #5 for over 35 years and served the usher board for over 50 years until her health began to fail in February of this year.

Mrs. Stringer was a very determined woman. She achieved whatever she set her mind to do. At 40 years old when the cleaner's that she had worked at for numerous years changed ownership, she decided to go to college full time. She earned her Bachelor's degree in education from AM&N (UAPB) and furthered her education at Henderson State University earning a Master's degree in counseling. She began her teaching career at Townsend Park elementary school and after many years of service retired from Dollarway as a counselor.

Elma had a compassionate heart. Over the years she has assisted many of her health impaired and aged neighbors.

Mrs. Shirley Bradley, her good friend of 47 years remembers her as being her 'special sister'. They affectionately called each other "Buddy"

Elma leaves to cherish her memory 3 nieces Ollie, Romanetha, and Junetta, 3 nephews, Harold, (Ann), William (Susan), and Raymond, a very special cousin whom she loved as a brother, Arthur Laws, a host of grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

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