Helen Elizabeth Landers

Helen Elizabeth Herriott Landers passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2016, at home surrounded by her family. She is survived by her loving husband, R. L. Landers, two children, Robert (Candy) and James Landers, two grandchildren, Robert (Monica) and Donald (Chris), one great-grandchild, Robert, and one expected great grandchild, Elizabeth.

Helen was born in Springfield, Illinois on October 9, 1922. She and her parents, Edna Etta Thornley and Herschel Herriott, moved to Ft. Lauderdale shortly after the devastating hurricane of October 1926. She graduated from Ft Lauderdale High in 1940, the Florida State College for Women (B.A.) in 1944 and Baylor University (M.A.) in 1947. While at Florida State, Helen met her future husband, R. L. Landers, who was serving in the Coast Guard during WW II. They married in 1946 and recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary together.

After teaching school in Texas for several years, Helen and R. L. returned to Ft Lauderdale to help Helen's mother operate Fern Hall School, one of the first private schools in Broward County. She was a teacher and principal at Fern Hall for numerous years, before becoming the Director of Christian Education at First United Methodist Church (FUMC) in Ft. Lauderdale. Helen has remained active at FUMC, where she has held numerous leadership positions and taught Sunday school.

In 1990, Helen was appointed as the Broward County Historian by the County Commission. She served in this capacity until 2013, at the age of 90, working on historical preservation, and teaching others about the rich and diverse history of Ft. Lauderdale and Broward County. In addition to numerous awards and recognitions, Helen was selected as a Broward County Pioneer, and a member of the Broward County Women's Hall of Fame.

Helen is a founding member of the Broward County Women's History Coalition and Florida Women's Coalition. She was also a member of the Broward County Commission on the Status of Women, serving as chair in 1989, was a member of the Fort Lauderdale Community Services Board, and a member of the Broward County School District's Single Parent-Displaced Homemaker Advisory Board. In 1989, Helen was appointed to the Florida Education and Employment Council for Women and Girls, serving as the chairperson in 1992-1994.

Helen was also very active in the American Association of University Women (AAUW). She was elected the State President in 1980 and the Southeast Regional Director in 1982. She also served on the AAUW National Board of Directors and the AAUW Educational Foundation Board of Directors. During these years, she actively promoted the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment.

Helen is a member of numerous clubs and professional associations, including the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, Broward County Historical Commission, American Association of University Women, Fort Lauderdale Women's Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, PEO, FSU Alumni Association and Baylor Alumni Association.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to First United Methodist Church.