Dorothy Wynne Hellstern, retired school teacher and Christian educator, was born Sept. 15, 1927 in Ashville, NC. Her father Thurman Wynne, was caretaker of kennels on the Cornelius Vanderbilt estate, where Dorothy was born. Her family later moved to Mississippi, then to Memphis, TN. She and her siblings all graduated from Treadwell High School in Memphis.
Dorothy will always have a cherished place in my heart. She has been such an example of God-given empathy and caring, while being also a fine example of loving wife and mother. I will always miss her and thank the Lord for her. God bless and keep her close.
Mrs. Hellstern was my 5th grade teacher at OCS in 1989. She was so very loving and I was fascinated by her slideshows and the many stories of her travels with her family. I was the only girl in my class that year, and her care made a significant impact on my ability to stand on my own two feet and work hard no matter the obstacles. Now I am married with a 5th grade son myself, and I graduate from medical school in 2016. I know the missionary spirit I have to serve others and show them the love of Christ was formed in part by her passionate walk with the Lord. I will never forget this sweet woman of God! Thank you Mrs. Hellstern!
So sorry to hear about Dorothy. You both were instrumental in my salvation, and it was always fun to visit the two of you when we came to Edmond. She will be missed!
Dorothy and Gene were like parents to us. We owe our business and lives we have to them both. She was an incredibly classy lady and there will never be another quite like her. She was a friend, teacher, encourager, and polished to a blinding shine as a human being. If you notice the sun is a bit darker today it is because it cannot gain a reflection from her any more.