Sylvester Turner was born on August 21, 1962, to Sylvester Turner Sr. and Naomi Turner. He grew up in the West End area of downtown Cincinnati. He attended Herbert Elementary School, Bloom Junior High School, and Taft High School, where he earned his diploma and was a star athlete, participating in sports such as track and football. He also had a love for baseball and bowling.

He joined the Marines in 1980, where he spent the next four years serving his country. Shortly afterward, he met the love of his life, his late wife, Pauline Sims. They met in 1987 in downtown Cincinnati, where they would spend the next 34 years together raising 10 children — six boys and four girls.

Sylvester Turner, also known as “Maine” or “Slydog,” cherished his favorite titles most of all: “Pops” and “Pawpaw.” Sylvester was a hard worker who carried the weight of his responsibilities with quiet strength, never giving up even when the odds were against him. To know Sylvester was to love him. Always willing to lend a helping hand, he was known for his kindness, compassion, loyalty, and integrity. He was witty and had a great sense of humor. No matter how serious the situation was, Sylvester always found a way to make people laugh. His jokes were clever, his timing was perfect, and his smile could brighten even the darkest days. He could turn an ordinary conversation into a hilarious moment, and people loved being around him. Even when he teased others, he did so with kindness, and everyone knew he meant well.

He was a die-hard Bengals fan, faithfully cheering them on every Sunday, season after season — “Who Dey!!” He found just as much joy in cooking and sharing food with others, always experimenting in the kitchen and bringing people together over a good meal. He was the kind of person who showed his love through food, always making sure no one left his table hungry. Cooking was not just a hobby for him; it was one of the ways he showed his care and created lasting memories with family and friends.

He leaves behind his mother, Naomi Turner, and his 11 children: Travis, Miracle, Toshawn, Sylvester, Amika, Jamico, Nairah, Johnathan, Keith, Heaven, and Samone. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Karma, Jamico, Téirah, E'miya, Ja'myla, TeAna, Ava, Yahari, Yahmina, Ja'mere, Jah'faye, Ja'Corey, Zahra, Te'lah, Jenesis, Ethan, Josiah, Zora, and Jiraiya.

He also leaves behind his siblings: Keith, Darlene, Evelyn, Kim, and Anthony; his brothers- and sisters-in-law: Jackie, James, Erich, and Keith; and his nieces and nephews: Brandon, Courtney, Valen, Tiffany, Erica, Durell, Isaiah, Jasmine, Erich Jr., Nieka, Antrice, Antjuan, Antonio, and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Sylvester Turner Sr.; his wife, Pauline Sims; his daughter, Samira Le'Cream Turner; and his son, Robert Deshawn Sims.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Walker Funeral Home - Walnut Hills Chapel, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati (45206). The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation, beginning at 11:00 am. Friends and family will gather to share memories, find solace in one another's company, and honor the legacy he leaves behind.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Turner family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Turner family during this difficult time. Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.