HOUSTON — Texans are honoring U.S. Congressman Sylvester Turner on Thursday at the Texas State Capitol, where his body will lie in honor until noon on Friday., allowing the public to pay their respects to the former Houston mayor and state legislator.
A public viewing was already held earlier this week the former mayor at the Houston City Hall on Tuesday.
Turner, 70, died on March 5 at his home in Washington, D.C., from what his family described as “enduring health complications.” He had attended President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress just the night before and was briefly hospitalized before being released.
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COMPLETE COVERAGE: Remembering Sylvester Turner
A longtime public servant, Turner served in the Texas House of Representatives for many years before he was elected Houston’s 62nd mayor and served from 2016 to 2024. Voters chose Turner to represent Texas’s 18th House Congressional District in 2024 to replace his longtime friend, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. She died last July after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
During Turner’s tenure as mayor, he led Houston through natural disasters, including Hurricane Harvey, major infrastructure reforms, and economic revitalization efforts.
When & where to pay respects
Public viewing at Texas State Capitol
Date: Thursday to Friday, March 13-14, 2025Time: Noon Thursday to noon FridayLocation: Texas State Capitol, on Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas
Turner’s body was transported to Austin Thursday morning, where he will lie in honor at the Texas State Capitol from Thursday, March 13, at noon, through Friday, March 14, at noon.
His funeral service, officiated by Dr. Ralph West, will be held on Saturday, March 15, at The Church Without Walls in Houston. A private burial will follow.
Funeral service and final farewell
Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025Time: 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.Location: The Church Without Walls, 5725 Queenston Blvd., Houston, TXOfficiant: Dr. Ralph West
A private burial will follow.
How Houston is honoring his legacy
The Turner family asks attendees to wear blue in honor of his legacy and requests donations to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center or a charity of choice instead of flowers.
More coverage on Turner’s passing
- Pastor reflects on Turner’s legacy in the community
- Former Harris County judge reflects on Turner’s death
- Turner’s guest at President’s address reflects on his passing
- What happens to Turner’s Congressional seat?
- How Turner’s fraternity is honoring his legacy
- Acres Homes community remembers Turner
A career that shaped the city
Turner’s impact as a dedicated public servant, community advocate, and trailblazing leader will be honored throughout the week as Houston and Texas celebrate his life and legacy.
Turner represented Texas’s 18th Congressional District, a historically significant seat once held by civil rights icons such as Barbara Jordan, Mickey Leland, Craig Washington and Sheila Jackson Lee. Following in their footsteps, Turner was committed to advancing the district’s legacy of justice, equity, and transformative public service.
Who was Sylvester Turner?
A lifelong Houstonian, Turner was born and raised in the Acres Homes neighborhood. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Houston before obtaining a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. His legal career began at Fulbright & Jaworski, where he worked as a trial lawyer before co-founding Barnes & Turner, a prominent law firm specializing in commercial and personal injury litigation.
Turner served 27 years in the Texas House of Representatives, representing District 139. A bipartisan leader, he spent 21 years on the House Appropriations Committee and six years as Speaker Pro Tem, playing a key role in shaping the state’s fiscal policy.
In 2015, Turner was elected the 62nd Mayor of Houston and was re-elected in 2019. His tenure was marked by significant challenges, including seven federally declared natural disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic. He led the city through complex pension reforms, reducing financial liabilities by billions, and championed initiatives to improve public safety, environmental sustainability, and economic opportunity.
Turner launched Houston’s first Climate Action Plan, committing the city to carbon neutrality by 2050 and reinforcing its role in global energy leadership. He chaired the Global Resilient Cities Network and served as Chair of U.S. Climate Mayors, expanding Houston’s influence in climate policy and urban resilience.
Public safety was a priority under Turner’s One Safe Houston initiative, which addressed violent crime and mental health services. He also focused on quality-of-life improvements through One Clean Houston, targeting illegal dumping, and Complete Communities, a public-private effort to revitalize historically underserved neighborhoods. His Hire Houston Youth program provided over 20,000 jobs to young adults, promoting economic mobility.
Nationally, Turner served as Chair of the African American Mayors Association and was a Trustee of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, further establishing his role as a leading voice in urban policy and governance.
Turner was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and continued to reside in Acres Homes. He was the proud father of one daughter and grandfather of one grandson.