87R15556 CW-D
By: Johnson of Dallas H.R. No. 629
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Family and friends are mourning the loss of Serena
Simmons Connelly of Farmers Branch, a lifelong champion for the
most vulnerable members of society, who passed away on April 22,
2020, at the age of 50; and
WHEREAS, The daughter of Harold and Sandra Simmons, the
former Serena Simmons was born in Houston on January 18, 1970; she
graduated at the top of her class at Greenhill School, and she
received a bachelor's degree in classical studies from Brown
University and a master's degree in social work from The University
of Texas at Arlington in 1995; and
WHEREAS, Admired for her quiet strength and visionary
leadership, Ms. Connelly launched her career as an advocate for HIV
and AIDS patients in Dallas; subsequently, she worked in behalf of
the city's refugee community and established the Human Rights
Initiative of North Texas, an organization that provides free legal
services to people who have suffered human rights abuses; she later
served as director of philanthropy for the Harold Simmons
Foundation; she believed strongly in the power of philanthropy to
drive systemic change, and her passion for early childhood
learning, criminal justice reform, gender equity, and quality
medical and mental health care for all shaped the foundation's
efforts; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Connelly tirelessly supported the advancement
of many other important initiatives as well, such as
trauma-informed therapy and Montessori education, and she
advocated for immigrant rights and those living in poverty;
moreover, she gave of her own resources to Educational First Steps,
Equal Justice USA, and Physicians for Human Rights, among others;
in recognition of her contributions, which also included service to
a number of boards and foundations, she received the 2014
Distinguished Alumni Award from UT Arlington and was named the 2001
Social Worker of the Year by the National Association of Social
Workers Texas Chapter; and
WHEREAS, In all her endeavors, Ms. Connelly enjoyed the love
and support of her husband, Tom Connelly, and their two children;
and
WHEREAS, Through her exceptional dedication to social
justice, Serena Connelly made a positive and lasting difference in
the world around her, and she leaves behind a record of service that
her loved ones can remember with pride; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Serena Simmons
Connelly and extend sincere condolences to all those who mourn her
passing; 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 Serena
Simmons Connelly.