Effi Barry's Sendoff

Organizers of Effi Barry's sendoff are busy today putting together the events that will see the Nation's Capitol bid farewell to it's longest serving first lady.

Linda Green, a longtime family friend told me a short time ago that up to two thousand people are expected at the funeral Friday at 11:AM at the National Cathedral.

Thus far Mayor Adrian Fenty and DC Council Chairman Vincent Gray have been confirmed as speakers. It's not yet certain whether Councilman Marion Barry, Effi's ex-husband will speak.

Mary Wilson, of the Supremes may perform at the service; but that isn't confirmed as of this writing. Organizers say they are limited to an hour and a half by Cathedral managers.

It should be pointed out that Effi Barry had said she did not want flowers; but would rather have people donate money to the "Effi Barry" fund at the Industrial Bank at 4812 Georgia Avenue.

Carol Fennely, a longtime friend recalled today how Effi and Marion left the former Mayor's drug trial during a lunch break so that Barry could deliver the eulogy at Mitch Snyder's funeral. For those who were around back then you'll recall that Snyder, the champion of DC's homeless, committed suicide. His devout companion, Fennely in reflecting back on that day said "I don't think Effi ever stopped loving Marion".

In a radio interview a decade after their divorce Effi said of Barry; he's "one of the most intelligent men that I have ever known."

She went on to say "If anyone has been hurt in the whole scenario of Marion's downfall, for certain, it was his family, [son] Christopher and me," she said. But "over the years, we have been able to heal and to carry on with our lives."

Effi Barry added that she and her ex-husband are now "friends . . . bound by our son."

Effi seemed to find comfort with other women who had gone through tribulations with their men. In addition to Fennely, there was Gwendolyn Manley, wife of former Redskins great Dexter Manley; Dorothy Ford, wife of former Tennessee Congressman Harold Ford Senior and Mary Wilson, who lived in Washington for a time after her singing career with the Supreme's seemed to hit bottom.

Those close friends will be at Effi's funeral later this week along with lots more women who can identify with the former first Lady's story.

I think it's fair to expect there will also be a big turnout after the body is laid in repose at the Wilson building, practically all day and night Thursday; and again Friday morning...That's when the people who never met Effi Barry will get their one chance to see her up close.