Martha Turner, a longtime fixture in Houston’s real estate community, has died at age 81.

Turner founded Martha Turner Properties (now Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty) in 1981, following a 15-year teaching career. Sotheby’s International Realty acquired the firm in 2014, prompting the name change.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share that our beloved namesake Martha Turner has passed away,” reads a statement from Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty. “Martha has been a deeply respected leader in the Houston real estate community and an inspiration, friend and mentor to us all.”

The firm celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. “In her honor, we will continue her legacy by upholding the values she established so many years ago: honesty, integrity, inclusion, professionalism, transparency, enthusiasm, community outreach and equality,” the statement continued. “We are so fortunate to live out her vision and we will be forever grateful for the opportunity she gave us all to be successful.”

The statement concluded with a quote by Turner, who once said, “To be successful, you have to love what you do, love the people around you, make everyone feel special and realize that you are the only person in charge of your life.”