Childhood

Helen Lemme was born on February 25, 1904 in Grinnell, Iowa. Her name was Frances Helen Renfrow.  Her parents were Eva Craig and Lee Augustus Renfrow.  Helen was the oldest of six children.   Growing up Helen worked as a housekeeper to help her provide support to her family.  When she was in eighth grade she won first prize for a history essay.  However the DAR did not give her this award because she was an African American.  She was the valedictorian for her graduation class in 1928.  When she graduated she was given a $5 gold coin as a scholarship medal.  Her siblings graduated from high school.  Her sister Edith Renfrow Smith was the first African American female to graduate from Grinnell College.