He did well and now he can take his rest!
The city of Houston gathered recently to bid a heartfelt farewell to Sylvester Turner, the beloved former mayor and congressman whose life and legacy helped shaped the city, KHOU 11 News reports. The homegoing service was held at The Church Without Walls capping off a week of tributes honoring Turner, who passed away on March 5th at the age of 70. Hundreds gathered to pay tribute to Turner and his former security detail acted as pallbearers, everyone donning blue in his honor.
Turner’s friends and family reflected on his unwavering commitment to Houston through it all while fondly remembering his amicability and kind heartedness. His daughter, Ashley P. Turner-Captain, delivered a moving tribute, emphasizing her father’s deep love and devotion as a father, grandfather, and public servant.
“I have been blessed to have Sylvester Turner as my dad. Not because of his accolades and impressive career, but because of the way he loved me. No matter where he was in the world or what he was doing, if I called, he would answer” she said.
She recalled spending spring breaks at the Texas Capitol while other kids spent theirs on vacation. While admitting she didn’t understand it at the time, watching her father advocate for his constituentsinstilled lifelong values of service in resilience in her.
‘He wasn’t selfish with his time, talents or resources. He lived his life as a servant, fighting for people, our children, and seniors. He was a steady hand for Houstonians through floods, fires, and a global pandemic,” Turner-Captain added.
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries also came to pay his respects, highlighting Turner’s impact on Houston and beyond, noting that despite his short tenure in Congress, he had already made an impression. More than 20 members of Congress—both Democrats and Republicans—traveled to Houston to pay their respects, and celebrate the legacy he leaves behind.
“Sylvester Turner was never distressed. He was always calm, always cool, always collected, and he always delivered for the people of Houston.” Even in his final days, Turner remained committed to fighting for others, with his last recorded message being a strong one in defense of health care: “Don’t mess with Medicaid.”
To honor his legacy, Jeffries announced that Congress would hold a Medicaid Day of Action in Turner’s name.
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, a longtime friend, spoke of Turner’s early aspirations and perseverance. Raised in Houston’s Acres Homes neighborhood, Turner often rode the 44 bus downtown, dreaming of a future in public service—not just for himself, but for his community. Turner lost his first political race but persisted, serving 27 years in the Texas House of Representatives before becoming Houston’s mayor in 2015.
“When I think of Sylvester Turner… I think of love,” Ellis said. “Because here was a guy who really loved everything he did. And he loved everybody he worked with. Even when he was working against them. He didn’t hold grudges. And that’s a hard thing to do in politics.”
Turner’s career was a testament to service and resilience. A Houston native and lifelong resident, he earned degrees from the University of Houston and Harvard Law School before co-founding Barnes & Turner, a prominent law firm. As mayor, he guided Houston with a steady hand, ensuring stability during moments of uncertainty. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and remained deeply connected to his community.
Throughout his tenure, Turner implemented pension reform, championed climate action, and led Houston through multiple crises. He created the Hire Houston Youth program, which provided over 20,000 jobs to young people, while his One Safe Houston initiative tackled issues of violent crime and mental health services. Turner also chaired the national African American Mayors Association and played a key role in urban policy initiatives.
As mourners gathered, familiar faces filled the church, including Congressman Al Green, Mayor John Whitmire, and former Houston Fire Chief Sam Peña. Councilwoman Tiffany Thomas, a mentee of Turner’s, reflected on the personal void his passing leaves. “It’s almost not real. I’ve been thinking about the lessons he taught me, hoping I won’t forget any of them.”
Among the first to arrive at the service were sisters Jacqueline Truesdale and Kathy Allen, who recalled a special moment in 2019 when Allen’s 10-year-old grandson, Mason Curry, portrayed Turner for Black History Month. Turner sat in the front row, watching. “He will be dearly missed,” Allen said.
As the city bids him farewell, one thing is clear: Sylvester Turner lived a life that was pleasing. Rest in power sir.
Cover photo: Remembering Beloved Former Houston Mayor & Congressman, Sylvester Turner/Photo credit: Mayor’s Office/City of Houston