WASHINGTON – Former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry will lie in repose at the Wilson Building beginning next week, kicking off a three-day celebration of the leader’s life and legacy.
Mayor Vincent Gray and representatives of Barry’s family announced the details of the memorial events Wednesday. A family spokeswoman says that Barry had planned his “home going” while hospitalized earlier this year and discussed his wishes with wife his wife, Cora.
At 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, a brief ceremony will held to receive the former mayor’s casket at the Wilson Building, where the public will be able to come and express their condolences for 24 hours.
Beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, a procession to the church where Barry regularly attended will depart the Wilson Building. The procession will travel through all eight wards. A specific route has not yet been announced.
From 3 to 6 p.m. Friday a musical and video tribute is planned to celebrate Barry’s 40 years of public service. And from 6 to 9 p.m. a community memorial service is planned at the Temple of Praise, 700 Southern Avenue SE.
Saturday, Dec. 6 an all-day celebration is planned at the Washington Convention Center in Halls C and D. Viewing hours will be from 8 to 11 a.m. with the memorial service to begin at 11 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m.
A private burial will immediately follow the memorial service, which thousands of people are expected to attend.
Barry, who also served three terms on the District Council, is known as the “mayor for life.” He died Sunday at the age of 78. He collapsed after he was released from the hospital Saturday evening.
Barry died naturally of heart problems caused by high blood pressure, and his kidney disease was a contributing factor, according to the D.C. medical examiner. Barry had a kidney transplant in 2009, suffered from diabetes and was also a prostate cancer survivor.
Mayor Gray begins press conf. following Marion Barry's death w a moment of silence. pic.twitter.com/pnKEmzqh7x
— Megan Cloherty (@ClohertyWTOP) November 26, 2014
Mayor Gray leaves his final thoughts for Mayor Marion Barry's family inside the Wilson Bldg. pic.twitter.com/NGKHoMnOpW
— Megan Cloherty (@ClohertyWTOP) November 26, 2014
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WTOP’s Megan Cloherty contributed to this report. Follow @WTOP on Twitter and on Facebook.
