02/10/2026
Sutv Violet Harjo
Celebrating the Life of Sutv Violet Harjo
Born on September 14, 2004, in Shawnee, OK, Sutv Violet Harjo entered the world with a vibrant spark that never dimmed. Her mother, Cassandra Thompson, recognized early on that Sutv was a true embodiment of kindness, creativity, humor, and determination-qualities that beautifully intertwined throughout her life. From the beginning, their bond was strong, filled with warmth and love. Whether she was dancing, playing wahoo, with her pets, or enjoying moments with loved ones, Sutv had an extraordinary ability to turn ordinary experiences into cherished memories.
The Importance of Family
Family held a profound significance in Sutv's heart, and she welcomed her chosen family with open arms. Sutv adopted Jazmyne as her sister when she was four and gathered many more as life went on. Including elders who she met as mentors, but chose them as family. When she loved someone, they became her person. She admired her brother, Seth Harjo, cherishing his love, protection, accountability, athleticism, and bravery in serving his country. Sutv shared an unbreakable bond with her sister, Louisa Harjo, filled with laughter, sports, singing, dancing, and exciting adventures. Their connection was truly unique, showcasing the joy and strength of family as they celebrated each moment with enthusiasm and passion. Sutv's love for spreading joy extended to her cousins-Kiara, Devean, Elissa, Tanea, Blair, Mia, and Sergio-creating joyful memories whenever they gathered. She held her aunties-Mvnetta, Mvhayv, Jordan, Carol Kae, and Dana-close to her heart. Time spent with Pucv, Joe, and Pvwv Uncle Hully always brought excitement to her life. Her Grandma Dora and Suga-Momma represented the matriarchal strength she aspired to embody. Sonny Kvncvpv Barnes came into her life, making her the happiest aunt and she was excited to show him the world.
While Sutv adored her human family, she also cherished her furry companions. Boss, Socks, Brownie, Tony Parker, Thunder Cat, Freddie Mercury, Roger, Rosie, Joseph, Jax, and her beloved baby Rocky were the highlights of her days. Whenever she was home, they were the ones she cuddled, danced with, and taught tricks to in the Mvskoke language.
A Journey Through Culture and Community
Sutv's name translates to "Sky" in the Mvskoke language, a heritage she takes great pride in. Hailing from the tribal town of Rvro Kvlv (Fishpond) and Hotvlkvlke (Wind Clan), she embraced her Native American identity throughout her life. As she matured, Sutv welcomed young adulthood with a hopeful spirit, beautifully integrating her Mvskoke culture into all facets of her existence. Through her engagement in Native American clubs, she celebrated her ancestral roots, mastering the art of creating a proper set of cans for stomp dance, fingerweaving yarn belts, and crafting moccasins under her mother's guidance. She cherished the skills of beading hats and speaking the Mvskoke language. Moments spent learning Mvskoke hymns with her sister Louisa were particularly special; at just four years old, they were invited to perform "Oketv Cvmpusan" (Ekvnv Herusat Ocet Os- Sweet By and By) alongside other hymns at local churches. Sutv loved singing these hymns and attending ceremonial grounds with her grandfather, Joe Sulphur.
Her most treasured lessons unfolded in her Suga-Momma, Grandma Carol Tiger's kitchen. Eager to master various traditional recipes, she especially relished making grape dumplings. Last year, she entered a contest with her grandma, securing second place while Grandma Carol took third. This achievement stood out as the pinnacle of her year. The wisdom shared by her elders motivated her to keep learning and sharing her culture with others.
Sutv participated in the Oklahoma Native Youth Language Fair for several years, earning first place for her Mvskoke comics four years in a row. She actively joined the Muscogee Nation Challenge Bowl each year and was ecstatic to volunteer as an adult. Throughout her life, she exhibited a strong commitment to her tribal community, particularly in supporting elders through events like the Senior Sweetheart Dance, Senior Games, and holiday lunches at the elderly nutrition program. Recently, she volunteered as an Mvskoke Language moderator at the Challenge Bowl, all while managing her studies as a college student at the College of the Muscogee Nation, and serving as a dedicated member of the Mvskoke Nation Youth Council for a decade. Her sister and the MNYS gave her the encouragement to run in the Mvskoke Royalty pageant in which she earned several awards for her talents and introduction letter. Being a part of the Mvskoke Nation Youth Council brought Sutv immense joy. Together with her sister Louisa, she participated in the inaugural Mvskoke Hymn Choir, attended UNITY conferences, and utilized her skills in service. Reflecting on her ten years with the Council, she shared:
"I've experienced cultural healing, activism, community, and service. Throughout this journey, I've not only made wonderful friends but also a forever family. Words cannot capture the joy of the memories I've created with this incredible community. I am forever grateful to be part of this Youth Council and aspire to continue learning, growing, and giving back to the community that has shaped me into who I am today. Being a member of the Mvskoke Nation Youth Council has instilled in me the importance of honoring our culture, uplifting one another, and serving with purpose. I will always carry these lessons, memories, and connections with me."
A Cherished Heart & Soul
Sutv was a cherished member of the Uekewv Mekusapkv Cuko-Springfield Indian Methodist Church, where she treasured the time spent with her church family. They instilled in her a deep care for people, family, and faith, values she embraced in her interactions with others-always with sincerity, empathy, and an open heart.
It is Sutv's heart that has united us. Through her love, her physical struggles, and the immense affection we held for her. When her heart began to fail, many of her dreams and aspirations had to adapt. She envisioned herself as a cultural teacher, aspiring to earn a degree, grow her following through makeup tutorials, create Mvskoke kid videos with her sister for her nephew Sonny, be the best aunt imaginable, learn every Mvskoke hymn, film her grandma's cooking tutorials while mastering her recipes, and perhaps one day become a makeup artist and producer of the Native Badies Reality Show.
To know Sutv was to experience her laughter, comfort, and inspiration. She possessed a remarkable ability to make others feel acknowledged, share captivating stories, provide unwavering support, and spread joy through her work. Her presence left an indelible mark that transcends time. Her smile, her voice, and her essence will forever be vivid in our memories, cherished by all who loved her.
She is lovingly remembered by her mother, Cassandra Thompson, sister, Louisa Harjo and brother, Seth Harjo, her grandparents, Eugenia Tiger, Dora Taylor, and Joe Sulphur, her aunties, uncles, extended family, and many close friends, as well as countless others whose lives she touched in ways big and small. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandpa Daniel "Bodee" Thompson.
A Celebration of Life
Sutv Violet, aged 21, lived a life that, though all too brief, was rich with warmth, laughter, and moments that will resonate in the hearts of those who cherished her for years to come. She departed this world on Saturday, February 7th, 2026, leaving behind a quieter existence without her vibrant spirit.
The Celebration of Sutv's life will commence on Tuesday, February 10th, featuring dinner at 5 p.m., followed by the wake at 6 p.m. Services will take place at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11th, both at Springfield Indian United Methodist Church. Officiating will be Curtis Scott and Rev. Clarence Yarholar, Joy Harjo providing a tribute poem, and obituary reading by Randy Colbert. Interment will follow at Tiger Home Place under the direction and care of Integrity Funeral Service. Family and friends will gather not only to grieve her loss but also to celebrate the beauty of who she was and the love she shared so freely.
Although her journey ended too soon, Sutv's life was filled with meaning, brightness, and deep affection. Her legacy endures - in the cherished memories we share, in quiet moments of remembrance, and in the everlasting love she leaves behind.
Pallbearers will be Michael "Hully" Sulphur, Wesly Nysm, Charles Mason, Eli Tilley, Brock Hicks, Leroy Harjo, John John Brown, Jace Fitzgerald, and James Arthurs.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Seth Harjo, Devean George, Shawn D. Wolfe, Aaron Little, and Past & Present Mvskoke Nation Youth Council.
Ushers will be Merle Berryhill, Thomas Yarholar, Stacy Scott, and John Wolfe.
View Sutv Violet Harjo's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.