EFREM Z STRINGFELLOW

Efrem Z. Stringfellow, 65, of Katy, TX, passed away on February 27, 2024, at home after a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer.

He was born in Chicago Heights, IL, on January 23, 1959, to the union of the late Lawrence D. Stringfellow Sr. and Early May Stringfellow. Efrem was a 1977 graduate of Bloom Township High School and a member of the 1977 Illinois State Championship Track & Field team where he was runner up in the Triple Jump. He went on to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he was a four-year Division 1 Varsity letter winner in Track & Field, Five time NCAA finalist, 1980 United States Track & Field Federation “All American” Triple Jump, and 1981 Big Ten Champion in the Triple Jump.  Additionally, he went on to receive numerous awards for being an outstanding student athlete. Efrem earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business (Marketing) in 1981. He later went on to earn an Executive MBA from the J.L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Upon graduating from the University of Illinois, Efrem worked primarily in the Information technology sector moving quickly up the ranks with IBM to become a Regional Vice President. He went on to hold even more senior executive roles at NEC Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, and most recently, Salesforce Inc. Efrem’s passion for technology allowed him to hold others accountable, coach, mentor, inspire, and elevate similar others in their careers. This allowed him to stand out during his career journey.

Similar to his dad, he was very active in civic and community activities. Efrem served as the Chairman of the Board for the Lake County IL Urban league and was part of the Urban league “movement” for over 20 years. He served as a volunteer assistant Track coach for Grant Middle School and assistant Track coach for Springfield High school while living in Springfield, IL. Efrem also served as the inaugural executive director and volunteer track coach for the Lonnell Poole Youth Summer Track Club and was a licensed State of Illinois track official. He served as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader at New Faith Baptist Church in Matteson, IL as well.

Efrem was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Omega Nu Chapter, Springfield, IL in 1985. Efrem is currently a member of the Rho Gamma Gamma Chapter in Chicago, IL, and a Life Member of the Fraternity. He worked on securing funding for Omega’s Youth Leadership Council (YLC) and youth mentoring programs across multiple chapters in excess of $150,000. “EZ” was all about the financial business of Omega.

Efrem is survived by his “helpmeet”, his loving spouse Sarah and his four children, Erica Lanae (Patrick) Tully of Chicago, IL; Nicole Deanna (Leland) Langston of Los Angeles, CA; Xavier Efrem Stringfellow of Matteson, IL; Quinton Tahan Stringfellow of Tinley Park, IL; and his “special nephew” Vincent Ian Cunigan of Los Angeles, CA. Additionally, his “bonus blessing” children, Katelyn “baby baby” Noel Senegal of Houston, TX; Jared Hossley, US Navy; and Chloe Hossley of Dallas, TX, who have been a major part of his life. He is also survived by his three grandsons, Luca Joshua and Noe Elijah Langston, Jude David Tully, and a host of nephews, nieces, goddaughters, and godsons. He was also preceded in his death by his sister Joyce L. Stringfellow.

Efrem is also survived by his siblings Darryl (Bernita) Stringfellow, Lawrence Jr. (Linda) Stringfellow, Rita (Thomas) Crumbley, and Errick Stringfellow and Larry (Ella) Clark. “Your unconditional support, encouragement, and love was second to none. Love always, your Wowsie Boy!”

A huge thanks to his “second mom,” auntie Ollie Lane for always making him feel special.

Daddy, Dad, Mr. Efrem, Ef, Eppie, Uncle, god daddy, Brother, Strings, EZ, “Big E”, “Z”, EZ Dawg, Zeetan, and friend, you’ll truly be missed! The entire Stringfellow, Lane, Wade, Underwood, Clark and Senegal families thank you for joining us in Efrem’s “homegoing” celebration.

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