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Tributes Pour in for Former Mayor and Congressman Sylvester Turner
Mourners gathered in Houston to honor the memory of the late U.S. Representative Sylvester Turner, who lay in state at city hall on Tuesday. This event is part of a series of public tributes dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of the Democratic politician and former mayor.
Turner, who was 70 years old, passed away on March 5, mere weeks into his inaugural term in the House of Representatives. His family reported that he died at home due to health complications, shortly after attending President Donald Trump’s address to Congress.
A memorial took place at Houston City Hall, a location significant to Turner as he served as its mayor for eight years before being elected to Congress last November. Among those honoring Turner was current Houston Mayor John Whitmire, who offered heartfelt remarks to attendees. The Houston Symphony provided musical accompaniment as mourners paid their respects.
In his tribute, Whitmire stated, “Sylvester knew each and every community, and he treated everyone with equality and inclusion. That’s what made him really special. He brought that public service and that message across not only our great city, but our great state.”
Turner’s congressional seat became vacant following the passing of longtime Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee in July. Before stepping into the role of mayor, Turner dedicated 27 years to serving in the Texas House of Representatives.
In addition to the events in Houston, Turner will lie in state at the Texas Capitol beginning Thursday, with a funeral service planned for Saturday in the city.
For now, Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott has yet to disclose a specific date for a special election to fill Turner’s vacant seat.
Source
abcnews.go.com