Houstonians are mourning the loss of former Mayor Sylvester Turner, who passed away last Wednesday at the age of 70. Turner, who won election last November to succeed the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee in District 18, leaves behind a lasting legacy of public service.
Turner had been in Washington, D.C., last week for President Donald Trump’s Joint Address to Congress. His family stated that he was hospitalized Tuesday night but was later discharged. He passed away at home early Wednesday morning due to ongoing health complications.
A City Pays Tribute
To honor Turner’s impact on Houston, he will lie in state at City Hall’s rotunda on Tuesday. The memorial begins at 9 a.m. with brief remarks from Mayor John Whitmire. The public is invited to pay respects until 7 p.m., with a condolence book available at the entrance. Visitors are asked to maintain the flow of the line by refraining from stopping for photos or conversations inside the rotunda.
Following the Houston tribute, Turner will be honored at the Texas State Capitol, where he will “lie in honor” on Thursday and Friday.
Final Farewell
Turner’s funeral service will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at The Church Without Walls in northwest Houston, where he worshipped for 35 years. His family has requested that attendees wear blue in his honor. A private burial will follow.
A Lasting Legacy
Turner served as Houston’s mayor for two terms, from 2016 to 2024, guiding the city through major events, including Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic. After leaving office in January 2024, he successfully ran for Congress following the passing of longtime Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, who died of pancreatic cancer in July 2024.
His dedication to public service, both at the city and national level, ensures that his influence will be felt for years to come.