HOUSTON — Houstonians gathered Saturday to bid a final farewell to Sylvester Turner, the beloved former mayor and congressman whose leadership and unwavering dedication shaped the city for decades.
The funeral at The Church Without Walls marked the culmination of a week of tributes honoring Turner, who died on March 5 at the age of 70.
Friends, family, and dignitaries filled the sanctuary, a testament to Turner’s enduring impact. His former security detail stood as pallbearers, and attendees wore blue in his honor.
Those who knew him best spoke of his tireless commitment to Houston through natural disasters, political battles, and community initiatives while also remembering the personal kindness he extended to so many. For Turner, leadership wasn’t just about policies; it was about people.
COMPLETE COVERAGE: Remembering Sylvester Turner
You can watch the full video of Turner’s funeral in the video window below.
Ashley P. Turner-Captain remembers her father
Ashley P. Turner-Captain delivered a heartfelt tribute to her father, reflecting not just on his public service but on the deep love and devotion he showed as a father and grandfather.
“I have been blessed to be able to have Sylvester Turner as my dad. Not because of his accolades and his impressive career, but because of the way that he loved me,” she said. “No matter where he was in the world or what he was doing, if I called, he would answer.”
Their bond was unshakable. She said they spoke nearly every day, and he instilled in her the values of speaking up for herself, advocating for others, and embracing the world through travel.
Turner’s passion for public service was evident in every aspect of his life, from his days in the Texas Legislature to his leadership as Houston’s mayor.
“Most kids spend spring break going on family vacations. Every other year, I spent spring break at the Texas Capitol watching him on the floor of the House of Representatives and attending committee meetings,” she said. “I didn’t appreciate it at the time, but I had a front-row seat on how to advocate, negotiate, and amplify the voice of our community.”
She said her father’s commitment to Houston and its people was unwavering.
“He wasn’t selfish with his time, talents, or resources. He lived his life as a servant, fighting for people, our children, and seniors,” she said. “He was a steady hand for Houstonians through floods, fires, and a global pandemic.”
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries honors Turner
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries delivered a powerful tribute to Turner, reflecting on his remarkable leadership, unwavering commitment to Houston, and his lasting impact on the country.
“We gather here today with heavy hearts to mourn the loss of the honorable Sylvester Turner,” Jeffries said. “He only spent a few months in Congress, but he got off to a dynamic start, made a quick impression.”
Turner’s impact was so profound that more than 20 members of Congress — Democrats and Republicans — traveled to Houston to honor him at his funeral.
“We’re thankful for his life, we’re thankful for his leadership, we’re thankful for the legacy of the great Sylvester Turner,” Jeffries said.
Through his eight years as Houston’s mayor, Turner led the city through immense challenges. “There was trouble on every side,” Jeffries said, citing Hurricane Harvey, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the devastating winter storm. But through it all, “Sylvester Turner was never distressed. He was always calm, he was always cool, he was always collected, and he always delivered for the people of Houston.”
Even in his final days, Turner remained committed to fighting for others. Jeffries noted that Turner’s last recorded video was a message defending health care. His final words:
“Don’t mess with Medicaid.”
Jeffries announced that Congress will hold a Medicaid Day of Action in Turner’s honor.
“It’ll give us an opportunity to lift up his spirit in defense of the health care of the American people,” he said.
Commissioner Rodney Ellis honors Turner
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis recalled meeting Turner as a teenager at a debate tournament, where Turner quickly earned the reputation as “the closer.” Even in those early years, Turner’s sharp intellect and tenacity set him apart.
Ellis noted that Turner’s aspirations began early, but his dreams were never just for himself.
“When I think of Sylvester Turner, or when any of us do, we think about ‘the 44.’ For the politicians who are from out of town, they called the bus ‘the 44.’ In Acres Homes. Sylvester grew up dreaming on that bus of one day joining the important people in one of those skyscrapers downtown,” Ellis said. “But the special thing about Sylvester Turner? He wasn’t just dreaming for himself. He was dreaming for all of us.”
Turner’s path to leadership was anything but easy. He first ran for public office against Ellis, losing his bid for Harris County commissioner before securing a seat in the Texas House of Representatives. He later ran for mayor three times before winning in 2015.
Ellis described Turner as a leader defined by love — love for his city, love for the people he served, and even love for those he politically opposed.
“When I think of Sylvester more than anything else, Leader Jeffries, I think of love. Because here was a guy who really loved everything he did,” Ellis said. “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 ability to unite people from all backgrounds was evident in one of his most memorable speeches from 2015:
“Here’s what I know about Houston. If we work together and we’re excited about our city and if we love each other regardless of our race, ethnicity, our faith, our gender, our sexual orientation, or any other socioeconomic status, and all the things that could potentially divide us, we will build a city that values service and labor and essential humanity of one another. That was Sylvester Turner.”
Leaders reflect on Turner’s enduring impact
As Houston bids farewell to Turner, those who worked closely with him continue to share how his leadership, mentorship, and friendship shaped their lives and the city itself.
Councilman Edward Pollard reflected on Turner’s personal influence, describing him as both a mentor and a trusted adviser.
“He was someone I could go to for guidance and advice. I’ve known him all my life, and he’s helped me in many ways—opening doors for me in my legal practice, politically, and always offering wisdom and words of encouragement. I’ll miss those days.”
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez emphasized Turner’s lasting legacy, not just as a politician but as a true public servant.
“He leaves a long legacy of public service to this wonderful community of ours. His latest endeavor was the 18th Congressional District, but beyond that, Sylvester Turner was a friend of mine. It was an honor to collaborate with him on a number of different initiatives.”
For Dr. Abdul Haleem Muhammad, Turner’s leadership was defined by resilience, especially during Houston’s most challenging times.
“He has always been a great resource, a great friend. I’ve never known a time that I called or texted him that he didn’t return the call or the text.
“The first two times he ran for mayor were unsuccessful because it wasn’t his time. Turner time was the third time he ran—and why? Because he helped us get through the pension problem. He got us through Hurricane Harvey, the pandemic, the Texas freeze, and the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, when 60,000 people gathered downtown, yet we did not suffer the kind of violence that other cities did.
“That’s because of the work of Sylvester Turner—not only being good in the suits, but also in the streets.”
Councilwoman Tiffany Thomas reflects on Turner’s legacy
As mourners gathered for the funeral, familiar faces filled the church, paying their final respects. Dignitaries in attendance included Congressman Al Green, Mayor John Whitmire, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, and former Houston Fire Chief Sam Peña. Among the first to arrive was Councilwoman Tiffany Thomas, who shared a close relationship with Turner, calling him a longtime mentor.
Reflecting on the day’s significance, Thomas expressed the deep personal loss she feels.
“It’s almost not real. And I’ve been spending a lot of my time thinking about the good times and the lessons… sharing that on social media about who he was when the cameras were off— that authentic, real mentor, advisor,” she said.
Even after his tenure as mayor ended, their conversations continued.
“I would call and tell him what I’m fighting at City Hall or get his advice or just to make him laugh. He was working on writing his books… before running for Congress. It’s definitely too soon for me, selfishly,” she added.
Thomas recalled Turner’s excitement about spending more time with his grandson and embracing a new season of life. She hopes to carry forward the lessons she learned from him.
“I just hope that I can remember all of the things I had gleaned from him… that I don’t forget that I had the opportunity to serve with him in his last and final term as mayor,” she said.
Turner’s reputation as “the people’s mayor” has been echoed throughout the day. Whether a fellow politician or an everyday Houstonian, he was known for always answering the call—literally.
“He would always answer the call, or if he didn’t, he would text you back or call you back,” Thomas said.
Two sisters arrive early to pay their respects
Jacqueline Truesdale and Kathy Allen, sisters who were among the first to arrive at the church, made sure to secure a seat inside to say their final goodbyes to Turner.
Kathy Allen shared a special memory of Turner’s impact — not just on the city but on people of all ages, including her grandson, Mason Curry. In 2019, when Mason was 10 years old, he portrayed Mayor Turner for Black History Month at the church where the funeral was being held.
Turner himself sat in the front row, watching the performance.
“I came from very humble beginnings… but I had two very dedicated parents… that shaped my life… graduated from Klein HS and UofH, go Coogs… developed my voice… and love for political affairs…” Mason recited in his speech.
Mason’s mother said he practiced for months to perfect his delivery, and meeting the mayor afterward was the highlight of the experience. Now 15 years old, Mason will be watching today’s service live with his mother, remembering the man who inspired him.
“He will be dearly missed,” she said.
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
Sylvester Turner obituary
Turner’s impact as a dedicated public servant, community advocate, and trailblazing leader has been remembered 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.
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.