88R7223 BK-D
By: Springer S.R. No. 44
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Words cannot adequately express the shock and
profound sorrow felt by people across Texas and throughout the
nation at the tragic death of Athena Presley Monroe Strand of
Paradise on December 2, 2022, at the age of seven; and
WHEREAS, A precious little girl who was cherished by her
family and many friends, Athena Strand was born in Duncan,
Oklahoma, on May 23, 2015, to Jacob Strand and Maitlyn Gandy; her
circle of loved ones included her stepmother, Ashley Strand, and
her sisters, Rilyn, Yrsa, and Alice, as well as her grandparents and
great-grandparents and a host of other relatives who all adored
her; and
WHEREAS, Athena was in the first grade at Paradise Elementary
School, where she made friends effortlessly; she wore an
irrepressible smile to match her cheerful personality, and she
enjoyed dancing, singing, horseback riding, and accompanying her
father to Renaissance festivals; she also loved the color pink and
dreamed of growing up to be a Viking princess; and
WHEREAS, Athena Strand brought abundant joy to everyone
around her, and although her loss is immensely difficult to bear,
her memory will forever be treasured by all those who were fortunate
enough to share in the blessing of her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature
hereby pay tribute to the memory of Athena Presley Monroe Strand and
extend deepest condolences to the members of her family: to her
parents, Maitlyn Gandy and Jacob Strand and his wife, Ashley; to her
sisters, Rilyn Dawn Gandy, Yrsa Liv Strand, and Alice Elizabeth
Strand; to her grandparents, Steven Kulbeth, Mark Strand, Shelly
and Daymon Crittenden, and Terry Stephens and his wife, Bridget; to
her great-grandparents, Doylene Thompson, Jackie Kulbeth, Eloise
Strand, and Jeannie Watson; to her aunts and uncles, Keeland
Kulbeth, Kaden Jones and her husband, Jerrad, Kayla Kaul and her
husband, Josh, Zachariah Strand and his wife, Heather, Elijah
Strand and his wife, Madison, Andrea Larrazolo, Isaiah Castillo,
Jacob Stevens, and Tyler and Christina; and to her other relatives
and friends and all those who join them in mourning her passing;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for her family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this
day, it do so in memory of Athena Strand.