HOUSTON — Houston mourners paid tribute to the late Texas Rep. Sylvestar Turner, who lay in the city on Tuesday, part of a week-long public event to honor Democrats and former mayor.
Turner, 70, passed away on March 5th. He took his first term in the House in a few weeks and only hours after attending President Donald Trump’s speech to the Washington state legislature. His family said he died at home following health complications.
Residents observed the memorial at Houston City Hall, where Turner served as mayor for eight years before being elected to council in November. Houston Mayor John Whitmire made a brief statement to mourners, and the Houston Symphony Orchestra performed while visitors were honored.
“Sylvester knew all the communities, so he treated everyone with equality and inclusion,” Whitmire said. “That made him really special. He brought that public service and its message to our great cities as well as our great states.”
Turner had filled the House seat held by longtime Democrat Sheila Jackson Lee, who passed away in July. Before becoming mayor, Turner served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives for 27 years.
Turner will also lie in the state of Texas State Capitol starting Thursday. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday in Houston.
Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has yet to announce when a special election will take place for Turner’s seat.
