Efrem stringfellow Hossley, 65, of Katy, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on July 21, 2025, at 4:37 a.m., following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. A devoted husband, father, mentor, and leader, Efrem’s life was a shining example of excellence, faith, and service to others.

Born on January 23, 1959, in Chicago Heights, Illinois, Efrem was the beloved son of the late Lawrence D. Stringfellow Sr. and Early May Stringfellow. He was a 1977 graduate of Bloom Township High School, where he played a vital role on the Illinois State Championship Track & Field team and earned runner-up honors in the Triple Jump. He continued his academic and athletic journey at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he became a four-year Division I varsity letter winner, five-time NCAA finalist, 1980 USTFF All-American in the Triple Jump, and 1981 Big Ten Triple Jump Champion. He graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Business (Marketing), and later earned an Executive MBA from the J.L. Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Efrem’s professional accomplishments reflected his sharp intellect, strong leadership, and relentless drive. He began his career with IBM, quickly advancing to the role of Regional Vice President. He went on to hold executive leadership positions at NEC Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, and most recently, Salesforce Inc. Known for his commitment to innovation and equity in the tech industry, Efrem mentored and inspired countless individuals, leaving a lasting legacy in every organization he touched.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Efrem was deeply involved in civic and community service. He served as Chairman of the Board for the Lake County (IL) Urban League and remained active in the Urban League movement for over two decades. His passion for youth development led him to volunteer as a track coach at both Grant Middle School and Springfield High School in Illinois. He was also the founding executive director of the Lonnell Poole Youth Summer Track Club and a licensed Illinois state track official. A faithful leader, Efrem served as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader at New Faith Baptist Church in Matteson, IL.

Efrem was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. through the Omega Nu Chapter in Springfield, IL in 1985, and was a proud Life Member. He was a dedicated member of the Rho Gamma Gamma Chapter in Chicago and worked tirelessly to secure over $150,000 in funding for the fraternity’s Youth Leadership Council and mentoring programs. To many, he was known as “EZ”—always about the financial business of Omega and always about uplifting those around him.

Efrem is survived by his loving wife and life partner, Sarah Stringfellow; his four children, Erica Lanae (Patrick) Tully of Chicago, IL; Nicole Deanna (Leland) Langston of Los Angeles, CA; Xavier Efrem Stringfellow of Matteson, IL; and Quinton Tahan Stringfellow of Tinley Park, IL; and his cherished nephew, Vincent Ian Cunigan of Los Angeles, CA. He is also remembered lovingly by his “bonus blessing” children: Katelyn “Baby Baby” Noel Senegal of Houston, TX; Jared Hossley, U.S. Navy; and Chloe Hossley of Dallas, TX. Efrem was a proud grandfather to Luca Joshua Langston, Noe Elijah Langston, and Jude David Tully.

He is also survived by his siblings Darryl (Bernita) Stringfellow, Lawrence Jr. (Linda) Stringfellow, Rita (Thomas) Crumbley, Errick Stringfellow, and Larry (Ella) Clark. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Joyce L. Stringfellow. Special recognition goes to his “second mom,” Auntie Ollie Lane, for her constant love and support.

To those who knew him—whether as Daddy, Ef, Eppie, Strings, EZ Dawg, “Big E,” “Z,” Uncle, godfather, coach, or friend—Efrem was a powerful presence and a source of strength, laughter, and unwavering encouragement. His love, wisdom, and example will live on through the many lives he touched.

The Stringfellow, Lane, Wade, Underwood, Clark, and Senegal families extend their heartfelt thanks to all who join in honoring Efrem’s life and legacy. His “homegoing” is not a goodbye but a celebration of a life well-lived. His spirit remains eternal.