Kristen Michele Capps

Kristen Michele Capps of Houston, Texas passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 19, 2017, surrounded by loving family. She was 49. Kristen was preceded in death by her mother, Mary McGown Sexton, and uncles Michael and Kevin McGown. She is survived by her father, Robert Samohyl (Izabel Ninow); stepfather, Patrick Sexton (Ana Graue); her aunt, Patricia Bouillion, and uncles, William Samohyl, William McGown, and Richard Miller; her sister, Kelly Samohyl (Wayne Smith); her brother, Daniel Sexton; her husband, Gayland Capps; her life partner, Dr. Maria C. Gonzalez; her daughter, Ainsley Hendershot (David Kukulski); her sons Keaton, Curran, Gavin and Deaglan Hendershot; her stepsons Christopher (Lauren Capps), Nicholas, and Joshua Capps; and her grandchildren, George and Kari Ann Capps and Duncan Kukulski; as well as an army of cousins, colleagues, and friends. Kristen was born on August 21, 1967. A graduate of the University of Texas and the University of Houston Law Center, she pursued her passion for civic activism and was a fierce advocate for special education reform. She was well-known for her work with the Houston GLBT Political Caucus, the Texas Democrats, and the American Association of University Women, and was one of the primary leaders working to pass the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance. On May 19, 2017, the Texas House of Representatives adjourned for one hour in her memory. For the State of Texas and the City of Houston, she was a champion of the marginalized; for her friends and family, she was always available for advice or comfort, and never said no to a person (or animal) in need of a home. She was a devoted mother and spouse, an incredible wit, a source of wisdom and an inspiration. The State, the City, and her colleagues, friends, and family will sorely miss her fire, her passion, and her love. The Memorial Service will be held Thursday, June 1 from 11 am to 1 pm at the A.D. Bruce Religion Center on the University of Houston campus. To honor her life and work, the family suggests donations be made in Kristen's name to tonysplace.org or equalitytexas.org