88R22957 TBO-D
By: Patterson H.R. No. 1055
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Sergeant Bishop Elijah Evans of the Texas Army
National Guard died in the line of duty on April 25, 2022, at the age
of 22, and his untimely passing was a tragic loss to his family,
friends, and colleagues; and
WHEREAS, Born to Jwana C. Evans in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, on November 9, 1999, Bishop Evans was raised by his
grandmother, Jo Ann Haralson-Johnson, and he grew up with a sister,
Tiyana; during his early childhood, he attended school in the
Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, and he became
involved with several youth groups at Bethel African Methodist
Episcopal Church; he also participated in Boy Scouts, and he played
soccer; after moving to Arlington to live with his aunt, Felisha
Pullen, he transferred to the Mansfield Independent School District
and played football; and
WHEREAS, He began living with his mother and stepfather,
Michael Burnett, in North Pole, Alaska, in 2013, and he attended
Eilson High School, where he was a member of the wrestling team and
school choir; he also served as drill team commander with the JROTC
program, and he was named an expert marksman; his many hobbies
included fishing, hunting, and indoor archery; he returned to
Mansfield ISD for his last three years of high school, and he served
as a member and later as commander of the JROTC Physical Training
Team; and
WHEREAS, Shortly after graduating from Mansfield High School
in 2018, Mr. Evans joined the Texas Army National Guard; in 2019, he
contributed to a hurricane response mission, and he went on to serve
in Kuwait and Iraq before being deployed to Texas' southern border
for Operation Lone Star; in April 2022, he bravely jumped into the
Rio Grande to try to save two migrants being swept away by the
current; and
WHEREAS, Known for his kind and generous nature, Sergeant
Bishop Evans rendered exemplary service to his state and community,
and the dedication and heroism that he demonstrated will never be
forgotten; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Sergeant Bishop
Elijah Evans and extend sincere condolences to all who mourn his
passing; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Sergeant
Bishop Evans.