Ellis on naming part of Beltway 8 after fallen deputy constable: 'It is my hope that her memory inspires future generations to serve'

The Harris County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to approve a measure to name a portion of the Sam Houston Parkway, or Beltway 8 on Tuesday (April 26) after a deputy constable who perished in a car accident earlier this month, according to Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis's official Twitter account.

"[Harris County] Commissioners Court has unanimously approved our effort to name a portion of the Sam Houston Tollway in memory of Deputy Constable Jennifer Lauren Chavis, who recently lost her life in the line of duty," Ellis said in a tweet. "It is my hope that her memory inspires future generations to serve."

The 32-year-old Chavis worked for the Harris County Precinct 7 Constable's Office.

Houston CBS affiliate KHOU reported that Chavis, who was married with a son and an adopted nephew, was an Army veteran who joined the department in November 2020 and was assigned to its Precinct 7 Toll Road Division, according to the Houston Daily.

She held a criminal justice degree from the University of Houston-Downtown and a master's degree from Texas Southern University and was pursuing her doctorate at the time of her passing, per the publication.

Houston-based media outlets reported that Chavis was killed by a suspected drunk driver who rear-ended her patrol unit and caused the vehicle to catch on fire on April 2.

Family, friends and colleagues remembered Chavis at a funeral held for her nearly two weeks after her death, the Houston Daily reported.

After the funeral, Chavis's remains were brought to Liberty where she was interred.

Thirty-six-year-old Adolfo Serrano has been charged in the deputy constable's death.