By Aswad Walker
Most Houstonians know that the late Sylvester Turner, former state representative, mayor, and congressman, was a man of faith. Many assumed he was a preacher, as many of his speeches ended in a crescendo-like fashion, sounding like an end-of-sermon altar call.
Additionally, so much of his community-level work involved working in close partnership with men and women of faith, specifically congregational leaders. So, it comes as no surprise that members of Houston’s faith community were some of the first to offer words of condolence at Turner’s passing.
Here are some of those leaders and the words they shared reflecting on Turner and his legacy
Dr. Ralph West, pastor, The Church Without Walls, IG post tcwwhouston and pasralphwest
“With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner, a beloved member of our church family and a dedicated servant to our community. For over 35 years, he faithfully worshiped, served, and led with unwavering commitment to God and His people. His life was a testament to faith in action—marked by compassion, integrity, and a deep love for justice. As we grieve this tremendous loss, we pray for peace and strength for Ashley and their extended family. To our church family and all who loved him—may we find comfort in knowing that “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8). May his legacy of faith and service continue to inspire us all. Rest in His eternal embrace, dear brother.”
#SylvesterTurner #FaithfulServant #RestInPeace #TCWW.
Dr. James Dixon, senior pastor, Community of Faith Church
“Sylvester Turner was a rare human being and extremely rare public servant. And more than that, on a more personal level, [he was] a tremendous friend. My children call him Uncle Sylvester. That’s all they’ve known all their lives. So, today we are grieving beyond expression. A prince has fallen. And Houston and the nation will miss the rare likes of Mayor/Congressman Sylvester Turner… He was very careful not to be a sympathy seeker. The steel-mindedness of Sylvester Turner would say, ‘Regardless of my personal condition, my personal agony or pain, I am who I am.’ He’s a champion. He’s a fighter; a prize fighter. You know, we have seen prize fighters fight when they are wounded. Sylvester Turner was of that ilk. He continued to fight forward no matter what he was dealing with.”
Dr. Abdul Haleem “Robert” Muhammad, Student Regional Minister, Muhammad Mosque 45
“My story begins with him during his first run for Mayor and the Channel 13-Wayne Dolcefino affair. I also supported him during his second unsuccessful run for City Hall. We didn’t always see eye-to-eye on every policy matter, however, we remained cordial, and he always returned my phone calls and text messages. I last spoke to him at the Black Male Summit held at the Shrine of the Black Madonna. Whatever his idiosyncrasies, faults or shortcomings may have been, there are a few things I can attest to: He was, in my opinion, the Houston version of a ‘political Houdini.’ Every time his detractors thought they had him in a straight jacket, handcuffed, locked in a safe and dropped in the San Jacinto River, he would escape! No matter what his critics say about his terms as Mayor and what was left behind, this should be remembered: He was the Mayor that got us through Hurricane Harvey, the COVID pandemic, and social unrest following George Floyd’s murder. I will always remember him for the good that he did while he was among us.”
Dr. Marcus Cosby, pastor, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church
Dr. Rudy Rasmus, founder, Bread of Life Inc., Temenos CDC and St. John’s Downtown
“Congressman Turner was more than a colleague; he was a friend. Together, we worked hand in hand to serve our community, always striving to bring hope and resources to those who needed them most. His legacy of compassion, leadership and unwavering dedication to the people of Houston will continue to inspire us all.”
Tiffany Tarrant, pastor, St. John’s Downtown Facebook Post
“Honoring a True Giant: Congressman Sylvester Turner. Today, we mourn the passing of Congressman and former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner—a leader whose legacy of service, strength, and love for the people will never be forgotten. As we reflect on his incredible journey, let’s honor him by continuing the work he so passionately believed in—serving others, building stronger communities, and striving for a better future. Rest in power, Congressman Turner. Your impact will live on.”
Bishop D. Kimathi Nelson, Shrine of the Black Madonna
“The Shrine’s relationship with Sylvester Turner actually began before he served in public office. All of the properties we purchased on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. were done so through his title company. He made sure that all the Ts were crossed and Is were dotted so that no entities could later come in and try to take properties we owned. He was very aware of the value of land in the Black community and knew that any land Black people lost it would be almost impossible for them to get it back. He was very sensitive to that reality and did all he could to help us safeguard against it. Sylvester Turner was a longtime friend and supporter of the Shrine, as state representative and then as mayor. He was especially instrumental in getting the Cultural Center back open after Hurricane Ike. His intervention with insurance and utility companies was critical to our survival. He also fought for us to receive financial assistance during the metro train line construction that interrupted business for more than a year. He was a regular participant in programs and activities of the center and generously offered his support to anything we sought to do. He was a dear friend and an invaluable public servant. He will be missed more than our words can express.”
Dr. Montari Morrison Sr., senior pastor, Philippians New Faith Missionary Baptist Church
“I’ll always be able to say that at his last swearing in he used the podium that I preach from every Sunday. I think that’s special… The mayor was a lifeline to areas like ours [Settegast]. It is where the citizens have the lowest life expectancy in the entire county of Harris. He was a rare combination of intellect, grace and humility. He’s going to be greatly missed.
Deric Muhammad, Smart’n Up Black Male Summit
May Allah (God) be pleased with our “Mayor Eternal” – my big bro and mentor Mayor/Congressman Sylvester Turner. I am grateful to have crossed paths, learned many valuable lessons and put in work to better our community with this great brother. May the seeds that he has planted continue to bear fruit for decades to come. Rest well big bro. Love & Respect.