D.C. Says Final Farewell to Effi Barry|ABC 7 News

text size: A | A | A

D.C. Says Final Farewell to Effi Barry

posted 3:44 pm Fri September 14, 2007 - Washington

tags: effi • barry • funeral • repose

Former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry told mourners Friday of his ex-wife's tremendous loyalty during one of the most difficult times of their marriage.

Effi Barry's funeral was held at the Washington National Cathedral.

Please Upgrade To Flash!

ABC 7 News - D.C. Says Final Farewell to Effi Barry

related stories:

Barry said that before his trial on drug charges began in 1990, he told her she didn't have to go. But she answered that she would be there every day because she was his wife.

Marion Barry said that took courage, loyalty and compassion.

The couple's son, Christopher, also spoke at the funeral. He said the funeral was a celebration of a wonderful life.

D.C.'s current mayor, Adrian Fenty, remembered Effi Barry as an "elegant, classy and strong" woman. He told mourners that Barry "faced challenges in her life that most of us could barely imagine." He also praised her work to encourage African Americans to donate bone marrow and for her involvement in the AIDS crisis early on.

Fenty proclaimed Friday as Effi Barry Day.

Mary Wilson, a former member of the Supremes, sang at the service attended by many prominent Washingtonians.Friday morning, a hearse carrying the former D.C. first lady left the Wilson Building, where her body had lain in repose for two days.

Washingtonians used the time to pay their final respects to the 63-year-old who died last week of acute myeloid leukemia.

The viewing at city hall is an honor generally reserved for elected officials, but Fenty says it's a fitting tribute for the woman who worked to make D.C. a better place.

Effi Barry, the former First Lady of D.C., lies in repose at the Wilson building.

Effi Barry's ex-husband, Marion, and son, Christopher, greet mourners as she lies in repose at the Wilson building.

Latest Comment on D.C. Says Final Farewell to Effi Barry

dcchick

5:09 pm on 09/14/07

RIP Queen!

» report abuse

You need to be a registered member of
ABC 7 News to leave comments on news stories.

Not a member yet? Click Here to sign up.

Please leave your comments below:

Messages that harass, abuse or threaten other members; have obscene or otherwise objectionable content; have spam, commercial or advertising content or inappropriate links may be removed and may result in the loss of your posting privileges. Please do not post any private information unless you want it to be available publicly. Never assume that you are completely anonymous and cannot be identified by your posts.

The 'RUNNING MAN' icon is a registered trademark of America Online, Inc.