Former DC Mayor Marion Barry dead at 78
He was not on the list
WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- Former DC Mayor Marion Barry died on
Sunday morning, according to his family.
Family and very close associates are gathered at United
Medical Center in Southeast, DC as the word
spread.
The 78-year-old Barry had just been released from Howard
University Hospital on Saturday evening after being admitted on Thursday.
Barry had told WUSA9 Anchor Bruce Johnson by phone that he
was there for observation.
"He sounded very weak when we talked Thursday evening;
but he sounded better when he called me Friday morning," Johnson said.
Marion Barry has battled a number of ailments including
prostate cancer and diabetes. In 2009 he received a kidney transplant.
Barry leaves behind an legacy in DC politics that will
probably never be matched in the city, according to Johnson, who covered Barry
in the 80's, 90's all the way until recently until his death.
"Mayor Barry knew how to organize, that's what
separated him from all the other politicians in the beginning of his
career," Johnson said.
Barry served as the District's mayor from 1979 to 1991, then
again from 1995 to 1999. He represented DC's 8th Ward on the City Council until
the day he died.
His local celebrity exploded into international fame in
1990, when he was videotaped smoking crack by federal agents. He was arrested
and sent to federal prison for six months. That time in prison, however, did
not affect his political career in the city at all. He was elected to the city
council just a year and a half later in 1992. Then, he was re-elected as the DC
Mayor in 1994.Barry leaves behind his wife, Cora Masters, his son, Marion
Christopher Barry and his two stepdaughters, Tamara Masters Wild and Lalanya
Masters Abner.
Mayor Vincent Gray released this statement early Sunday
morning:
"Mayor Vincent C. Gray expressed deep sadness after
learning of the passing of Ward 8 Councilmember and former Mayor Marion Barry.
Mayor Gray spoke with former First Lady Cora Masters Barry late Saturday and
shared his condolences and sympathies with her, and as well said his thoughts
and prayers were with the Councilmember's son, Christopher.
"Marion was not just a colleague but also was a friend
with whom I shared many fond moments about governing the city," said Mayor
Gray. "He loved the District of Columbia and so many Washingtonians loved
him."
Mayor Gray said that he would work with Councilmember
Barry's family and the Council to plan official ceremonies worthy of a true
statesman of the District of Columbia."
The DC City Council released this statement early Sunday
morning:
"It is with deep regret that the family of former
Four-time D.C. Mayor, and Ward 8 City Councilman, Marion S. Barry, Jr.,
announces that he has passed.
Mr. Barry transitioned at approximately 12 midnight on November
23, 2014, at the United Medical Center, after having been released from Howard
University Hospital on Saturday, November 22, 2014.
Mr. Barry released his autobiography "Mayor For Life,
the Incredible Story of Marion Barry, Jr." in June 2014.
A recorded interview with Barry will appear on OPRAH today
at 9:00 p.m. EST to discuss his book, and 40 year political and civil rights
career.
He leaves behind his wife, Mrs. Cora Masters Barry and his
only child, son Marion Christopher Barry.
We ask that you please respect the family's privacy at this
time.
Further details will be forthcoming."
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