The Texas Capitol held a memorial service this week to honor the late U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner, remembered by colleagues for his dedication to public service and his impact on Houston and Texas politics. Turner, who passed away at the age of 70 due to enduring health complications, had served 27 years in the Texas House of Representatives, eight years as Houston's mayor, and then as a United States Congressman.

During the memorial, state lawmakers paid their respects, highlighting Turner's profound influence. According to CBS Austin, Representative Gene Wu emotionally recalled Turner’s commitment to bridging gaps between diverse communities, stating, “Sylvester did not have to wait for me to finish that sentence,” referring to the politician's support for the Asian community. Texas Governor Greg Abbott last week acknowledged Turner's "legacy of service", despite their political differences.

Turner's body lay in honor in the House chambers at the state Capitol, as legislators across the aisle expressed their recognition of his achievements. As Houston Public Media noted, Rep. Jolanda Jones referred to Turner as "a giant," emphasizing the historical significance of his career by stating, “His grandson has something that a lot of grandkids don’t have — that his grandfather was a giant." She further lauded his oratory prowess, calling it his superpower.

Turner ran for mayor when Jones was vying for city council, and his approach to leadership left a lasting impression on her. She looked to him as a mentor, always available for guidance as the lawmaker with his number she could call when she had questions. His cross-party respect was underscored by House Speaker Dustin Burrows, mentioning that although disagreements were frequent, Turner's passion was a testament to his commitment to his constituents.

Legislators passed a resolution in memory of Turner, and the memorial service at the Capitol served as a prelude to his funeral set for the following Saturday in Houston at The Church Without Walls. Turner's legacy was summarized by State Sen. Borris Miles as not only one of advocacy but as a continuous push for empowerment and improvement of the less heard and those in need.