SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 359

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes great pride in recognizing the courageous members of the Sutterfield family; and

WHEREAS, In 2018, Zachary Sutterfield suffered extensive burns and a major head injury in an apartment fire that took the lives of five persons; medical professionals treating his wounds did not originally expect him to survive; and

WHEREAS, Zachary's mother, Deona Jo "DJ" Sutterfield, who served as a medic in the United States Army, the Hawaii National Guard, and the Texas National Guard, has been by his side ever since the fire; she took a leave of absence from her job with the United States Department of Agriculture to provide him with round-the-clock care, including daily wound care, bathing, feeding, and helping with his physical rehabilitation regimen; and

WHEREAS, Zachary has also received support and love from his father, Karl Sutterfield, and from his brother, both of whom have provided support and care, along with the invaluable companionship and affection that have helped him to overcome the emotional and mental effects of his devastating injuries; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his ordeal, Zachary has demonstrated great perseverance and an indefatigable will to live; he still has plans to pursue a bachelor's degree and his dreams of teaching English, attending law school, entering politics, and getting married and raising a family; he has retained his mischievous sense of humor, and the family has continued its habit of joking with one another and mantaining an optimistic outlook; and

WHEREAS, Deona Jo Sutterfield has been named the Texas Mother of the Year, not only for her devotion and self-sacrifice but also for her commitment to helping to prevent similar tragedies from happening to others; she has already begun organizing Brighter than Fire, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating young adults regarding fire safety; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, hereby commend the members of the Sutterfield family on their courage and resilience in the face of tremendous adversity; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the family as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.

Perry

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 6, 2021.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate