86R12079 BK-D

By: Rosenthal H.R. No. 394

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The tragic passing of Judge Cassandra Hollemon of Houston on February 11, 2019, at the age of 57, is a devastating loss to her loved ones as well as to the many people she inspired through her lifelong commitment to justice; and

WHEREAS, Born on May 12, 1961, Cassandra Hollemon was a 1994 graduate of the South Texas College of Law; she enjoyed a successful career as a criminal law attorney that spanned over two decades, before she decided to seek election to the bench and signed on to the Harris County Democratic Party campaign dubbed "Black Girl Magic"; through her successful bid to become judge of Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 12, Judge Hollemon was part of an unprecedented wave of 17 African American women jurists who were elected in November 2018 to preside over some of the busiest courtrooms in the state; and

WHEREAS, Cassandra Hollemon took the oath of office in January 2019, and though she was only able to serve for a few weeks, she made an impact by joining with her colleagues to settle an important lawsuit affecting the county's cash bail system; she was a member of the Community Supervision and Pretrial Services Committee, and she impressed those who worked alongside her with her respectful manner, her sense of humor, and her commitment to both the welfare of crime victims and the fair treatment of defendants; she exhibited remarkable strength of character throughout her life, and she continued to show up to work before health problems forced her to be hospitalized; and

WHEREAS, Deeply devoted to her loved ones, Judge Hollemon raised her two children, Brandy and Brandon, alone after being widowed in 1992, and she later took joy in welcoming a granddaughter, Stricen, into her family; she further demonstrated her compassion by caring for her mother before her passing in 2017; and

WHEREAS, Judge Cassandra Hollemon was tirelessly dedicated to being a force for good in her community, and she will forever hold a treasured place in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Judge Cassandra Hollemon and extend deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for her family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Cassandra Hollemon.