Helen Jacqulin Stephens Hodges

Helen Jacqulin Stephens Hodges, a loving mother, Nana, sister, and aunt, was also a proud
member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

She was born on August 3, 1944, at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Florida, and passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026 surrounded by her loving family, after a long illness.

Helen spent most of her life in the Tampa Bay area and graduated from Chamberlain High School in 1962. As a proud alumna, she often said, “Once a Chief, Always a Chief.”

She enjoyed a successful career as a hairstylist and salon owner for 63 years, building lasting friendships and touching the lives of many through her work. She was also a devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Church in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Helen was an avid fan of NASCAR, the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
She found great joy in spending time with her family, as well as in baking, crafting, cooking,
and cruising.

She is survived by her daughter, Kandi J. Glunk( Michael); her grandson, Salvatore J.
DiCristofalo; and her beloved grand fur baby, Abbie Laine. She is also survived by her sister,
Zenobia Stephens Tyler; her nieces, Debbie Stokes (Marc), Lynda Sue Remund (Rene), Lisa
Marie Haskins (Kerry), Karen Ginsberg (Marc) and Anna Clark (Matt); her nephews, Timothy
Stephens (Debbie) and Skip Hitson; her former husband, Ronnie L. Hodges; and many great and
great-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul
and Troy Lavelle Stephens; her sisters, Waunette Lopez and Leveice Sievers; her
brother, Marion Stephens; her Aunt “Auntie” Reed. Her nieces, Gail Tyler Phillips and Paula
Tyler Hodge. Her nephew, Randy Stephens and her great-nephew, Robert J. Winkler III; and her
brother-in-law, Harry R. Hitson. Helen will be remembered for her strength,
warmth, and unwavering love for her family and friends. Her legacy will live on in the many lives
she touched.