Houston Says Goodbye to Beloved Congressman and Former Mayor Sylvester Turner
It’s a day of somber reflection and heartfelt farewells as Houston prepares to lay to rest one of its most revered public figures, Congressman and former Mayor Sylvester Turner. A week of emotional tributes has been building up to the funeral service, scheduled for Saturday, March 15, to honor the life and legacy of the esteemed leader who passed away on March 5 at the age of 70.
**Remembering a Legacy**
Throughout the week, the city of Houston has come together to pay respects to Turner, a man known for his dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to public service. From the lines stretching outside City Hall, where Turner lay in state on Tuesday, to the moving tributes at the Texas State Capitol in Austin on Thursday, the outpouring of love and admiration for the late congressman has been palpable. Colleagues, friends, and constituents have shared cherished memories and stories that illuminate Turner’s impact on the community and the lives he touched.
**Details of the Funeral Service**
The final chapter of this week-long commemoration will take place at The Church Without Walls in Houston, where mourners will gather to bid adieu to a remarkable leader. The funeral service, set to begin at 1 p.m., will be officiated by Dr. Ralph West and is expected to last until 2:30 p.m. Doors will open at 11 a.m., with limited reserved seating for delegations and open seating for others in attendance. The church, however, has announced that due to overwhelming demand, it has reached capacity for the service, and the public link has been discontinued.
In honor of Turner’s memory, attendees are encouraged to wear blue, a symbolic gesture of remembrance and respect. While the funeral service will be open to the public, Turner’s burial will be a private affair, reserved for close family and friends. The pallbearers, all members of Turner’s former security detail, have been named as officers Jack Bailey, Myron Brady, Will Laster, Ingrid Pinzon, Paul Powell, and Rodney Tyler.
**Streaming the Service Online**
For those unable to attend the funeral in person, WFAA+ will be streaming live coverage of the service starting at noon on Saturday. The free WFAA+ app is available for download on Roku, Amazon FireTV, and Apple TV, providing a convenient way to watch the service and pay respects from afar. Simply search for “WFAA+” in your device’s app store, select the app, and download it for free to access the live stream of the funeral service.
As Houston prepares to bid a final farewell to Congressman Sylvester Turner, the city stands united in mourning the loss of a beloved leader whose legacy will endure in the hearts and minds of all who knew him. In honoring his memory, we also celebrate the values and ideals that he championed, inspiring us to carry forward his vision of a better, more compassionate community. May we all take a moment to reflect on the profound impact of his life and the lessons he leaves behind.
