South Houston – As many people across the Houston area raise a glass to ring in the New Year, one South Houston mother hopes they pause before getting behind the wheel.
Nearly six years ago, Charisse Thomas lost her 18-year-old daughter, Destani Oliver, in a crash caused by a drunk driver. As law enforcement steps up DWI enforcement across the region, Thomas is sharing a message she hopes could save a life.
At first glance, Thomas’ front yard looks like a tribute to Whataburger — the fast-food restaurant she and her daughter loved. But a closer look reveals something far more painful.
“These are my What-a-Angels,” Thomas said.
The yard is a memorial, inspired by Destani and Charisse’s favorite meals. Every year on the anniversary of the crash, Thomas picks up Whataburger and sits at the cemetery, imagining lunch with her daughter.
On February 3, 2020, Destani had just bought her cap and gown for high school graduation. She was on her way home from school in Pasadena when a drunk driver going the wrong way hit her head-on.
“She was my best friend,” Thomas said. “You just kind of adjust to the new norm.”
The driver was heavily intoxicated, Thomas said, after binge drinking during Super Bowl weekend. He later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years in prison.
“He got five years,” Thomas said. “I got a life sentence.”
Thomas rejects the idea that drunk driving is an accident.
“It’s not a mistake,” said Thomas. “A mistake is when I bump into you. An accident is when I step on your shoe. This was a crash. You knowingly got into a car with a 3,500-pound weapon.”
According to data from the Houston State of Health, more than 30 percent of all traffic deaths in Harris County between 2019 and 2023 involved alcohol.
Ahead of New Year’s Eve, law enforcement agencies across the area say they are increasing patrols and sobriety efforts.
“Don’t drink and drive,” said Alan Rosen, Constable of Harris County Precinct One. “Have a plan before you go home.”
For Thomas, that plan could be as simple as calling a friend, taking a rideshare, or staying put until sober.
“It’s cheaper to get an Uber than to pay for a lawyer, court costs, and a funeral,” she said. “If you don’t do it for me, do it for Destani.”
Thomas now spends much of her time volunteering, attending court hearings with other grieving families, and speaking at victim impact panels. She says she does it so no other parent has to walk in her shoes.
“I don’t want to add another picture to this yard,” she said. “I want this to stop here.”
As Houston celebrates the New Year, Thomas hopes her daughter’s story will be enough to make someone think twice — and choose not to drive.
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