Judge Cassandra Hollemon was born May 12, 1961 in Third Ward, Houston, Texas to the late Otto Smith Sr. and Helen Marie Hewitt Smith. She was educated in the HISD school system and received degrees from Texas Southern University, the University of St.Thomas and South Texas College of Law. She excelled in her studies and earned The Degree of Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1994. Judge Hollemon married her only love, Johnny Wayne Hollemon, on her 18th birthday. She gave birth to her first daughter, Brandy, at the young age of 15 and her son Brandon, at just 20 years old. She was a dedicated and loving wife until she was widowed in 1992. Despite being a young mother and newly widowed, she remained focused on her goals and passed the bar exam only months after her husband’s untimely death. Judge Hollemon was a true fan of Classic Rock, watching classic black and white films with her daughter Brandy (she adored the fashion of that era), television classics such as Alfred Hitchcock and Perry Mason. Lifetime Movies, CNN, Horror Movies and walks on the beach collecting seashells were other pleasures she enjoyed. Judge Hollemon was fond of going to Spanky’s Pizza and Berry Hill for fish tacos with her son Brandon. Judge Hollemon loved going to the Shape Community Center on Tuesdays to be with the seniors in the community. She treasured being around them and obtaining their wisdom. Judge Hollemon ate, slept, and breathed, The Law. She spent countless hours on the phone with her colleagues discussing and debating what she loved, The Law. She rarely tired of eating, talking, and debating with her many friends that she considered to be a brother or a sister (Dr. Ahmad Hassan, TaTa, Tiray, Ray Paige, her fellow Judge colleagues and many many others). Cassandra spoke on numerous panel discussions regarding discrimination in the criminal justice system. She presented at Know Your Rights Workshops in Criminal Law. Judge Hollemon was admired for her intelligence, strength, down to earth demeanor, and her eagerness to make a difference in the justice system and most importantly for the people.Judge Hollemon made sure she and her sister, Evelyn Gilmore, sister-in
laws Sonya Roy and Minerva Amador, spoke on a regular or daily basis. Judge Hollemon was a dedicated attorney for over two decades in the greater Houston area. She changed many lives and helped hundreds of people over the years with her grace, wealth of knowledge, drive and determination. Cassandra was a devoted daughter who took care of her mother in her later years after her father’s passing. Their uniquely strong, unbreakable bond was consistent as she took care of her mother until her passing in December of 2017. Although heartbroken by the loss of her mother, she had already entered into the running for Harris County judge and made the decision with her children to carry on with the campaign. Judge Hollemon persevered through her heartbreak and ran a successful campaign making history with 18 other prominent African American women running for judge. Judge Hollemon passed away February 11, 2019 after a sudden bout with pancreatic cancer. She fought for her life with the same drive and determination she had exhibited throughout her whole life. She loved her children, her family and she loved her job serving the community. Cassandra is survived by her children Brandy and Brandon Hollemon, granddaughter Stricen Carter and a host of relatives and loved ones. Cassandra was known to the community and to her colleagues as “Judge Hollemon”, However, to her family and dear friends she was known as “Yvette”. She will be remembered for her sound advice, intensive knowledge, and competitive spirit. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Johnny Wayne Hollemon; parents, Otto and Helen Smith; brother Charles Smith and her grandparents. Cassandra leaves to cherish her fond memories that will dwell in the hearts of her daughter Brandy Hollemon, son Brandon Hollemon, granddaughter Stricen Carter; sisters Evelyn Gilmore and Brenda Stroud; brother Otto Smith Jr. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.