By 
The Life and Legacy of Sylvester Turner
HOUSTON — The unexpected passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner has sent shockwaves across Texas and Washington, D.C. The former Houston mayor and newly elected U.S. Congressman died at the age of 70 early Wednesday morning.
His family revealed that Turner was taken to the hospital Tuesday night after falling ill. Despite being released, he tragically passed away at home due to ongoing health complications.
A Leader’s Final Moments
Turner was last seen publicly attending President Biden’s State of the Union Address in Washington, D.C. Hours before his death, he exchanged messages with KHOU 11 anchor Len Cannon.
“I texted Sylvester Turner last night at 8:27 p.m., knowing he was at the president’s address,” Cannon shared. “He quickly responded within 10 minutes—engaged and working. It’s shocking to think that just hours later, he was gone.”
Battling Cancer with Resilience
During his second term as Houston mayor, Turner privately battled osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer. He underwent extensive treatments, including surgery, radiation, and reconstruction.
How He Discovered His Cancer
Turner’s diagnosis came unexpectedly after a routine dental visit. While treating a persistent toothache, his dentist discovered a lump in his jaw and immediately ordered a biopsy.
Turner recounted the moment in a 2022 interview with Len Cannon, saying, “I said, ‘Biopsy for what? I got a toothache.’”
Enduring a Grueling Treatment
Just one week after his diagnosis, Turner underwent a nine-hour surgery at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Doctors removed part of his jawbone and replaced it with bone from his leg. He remained hospitalized for eight days before beginning an intense six-week radiation therapy program.
Faith and Strength in the Face of Adversity
Despite his battle, Turner kept his illness a closely guarded secret, sharing the news only with his family, chief of staff, and security team. He continued leading Houston with unwavering dedication.
“The radiation was challenging because I’m claustrophobic,” Turner admitted. To ease his anxiety, he requested that the technicians play gospel music during treatments.
“Turn it up loud enough for me to hear it,” he would say.
A Man of Faith and Service
Turner’s faith never wavered despite the physical and emotional toll of cancer.
“It strengthened my faith because who wants to serve a God when in the most vulnerable state you can’t call on him … and he comes through,” Turner reflected.
Even after his diagnosis, Turner never stopped working for the people of Houston. He secured funding for flood prevention, spearheaded public safety initiatives, and was instrumental in leading disaster recovery efforts after Hurricane Harvey.
Congressman Turner’s Final Chapter
In November 2023, Turner was elected to the U.S. Congress, filling the seat left vacant by Sheila Jackson Lee, who passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Despite ongoing health concerns, Turner reassured friends and colleagues that he was healthy enough to serve.
“He had lost weight, but every time I asked him about his health, he told me, ‘My doctors give me the green light, I’m fine, I have the energy to run,’” Cannon recalled.
The People’s Champion
Turner remained deeply involved in Houston’s civic life until the very end. He recently attended major events, including the RodeoHouston Parade.
Bishop James Dixon, a longtime friend, noted that Turner never let his health define him.
“If you knew him, you knew he wasn’t at his best, but he kept being the people’s champion,” Dixon told KHOU 11.
A Lasting Legacy
Turner’s sudden passing leaves a huge void in Texas politics. His career spanned decades, from serving in the Texas House of Representatives to leading Houston as mayor for two terms and later serving in Congress.
His unwavering dedication to his community, faith, and service will be remembered for generations.