Rev. William "Bill" Lawson's daughters Cheryl Lawson, left, Melanie Lawson and Roxanne Lawson speak about their father during a celebration honoring him at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Friday, May 24, 2024, in Houston. Lawson, a longtime pastor and civil rights leader who helped desegregate Houston, Texas, and worked with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement, died on May 14.

Mourners line up to sign the condolence book as they arrive for the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Family members, including daughter Melanie Lawson, in red, make their way to the sanctuary at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church for the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson in the sanctuary of on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Ministers lead the family into the sanctuary at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church for the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

The choir sings during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson in the sanctuary of the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson’s robes are carried into the sanctuary of the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church during the celebration of life for the church’s founder on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Milan McCray sings during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Mourners bow their heads in prayer during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Mourners bow their heads in prayer during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

The Gospel is read during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

State Sen. Borris Miles speaks during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson in the sanctuary of the original Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Rep. Al Green, and Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee greet one another as they pay tribute to The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson during the celebration of life for Lawson on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Rep. Al Green speaks during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson in the sanctuary of the original Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee speaks during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson in the sanctuary of the original Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Regina Rogers speaks during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Dr. Renu Khator, University of Houston chancellor, speaks during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Dr. James Douglas speaks during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Historic photos are shown during a video tribute for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Former Mayor Sylvester Turner speaks during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson in the sanctuary of the original Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Kirk Whalum plays a song on the saxophone during the celebration of life for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Rabbi David Lyon speaks during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, from left, Rep. Al Green and Mayor John Whitmire attend the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Dr. Abdul Haley Muhammad speaks during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Mourners stand during the Gospel reading during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Dr. Barbara Williams speaks during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson in the sanctuary of the original Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

The Rev. Joel Osteen speaks during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Reginald Smith, Jr., sings during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Church members react to a song during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson in the sanctuary of the original Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Lead singer Ron Jonson performs during a community celebration in honor of Rev. William “Bill” Lawson at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Choir members react to tributes during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Choir members react to tributes during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Bettye Armstrong leads the choir off the stage at the end of her performance during the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

Former Mayor Sylvester Turner, from left, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and County Commissioner Rodney Ellis attend the celebration of life services for The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson on Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.

The family of The Rev. William “Bill” Lawson walk out of the sanctuary at the end of tributes and the celebration of life honoring Lawson n Friday, May 24, 2024 in Houston. Known for being a “Houston’s Pastor,” Lawson was the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church who helped lead the Houston’s racial desegregation in the 1960s and continued to be a civil rights leader and spiritual guide throughout his life. He retired from the pulpit in 2004, but remained active in the church until his death on May 14 at age 95.