A Fitting Tribute

This town which is often divided along political, geographical, socio-economical and racial lines is about to come together in historic numbers to bid farewell to former first lady Effi Barry.

Her body will lie in repose next week in the John Wilson building (city hall). It's an honor normally reserved for elected officials; but residents of the District of Columbia haven't been electing their own politicians for that long, just over a quarter century; We've had but 44 elected DC Councilmembers; 5 elected DC Mayors, including Adrian Fenty.

Effi Barry was married to former Mayor Marion Barry for 14 years--all but two years of that was spent as first lady while her husband was Mayor (Barry served four terms in all).

There is no need to rehash all the Marion Barry scandals, the late night escapades, the arrest at the Vista hotel and the summer long drug trial; but it's suffice to say Effi Barry earned her stripes at her husband's side.

Much like Jackie, Hillary, and Diana! Effi could have cultivated admirers just by her charity work and appearances at the required social events; but this lady became an icon after repeatedly getting up and standing by her man, at least in public. Women in the know say Effi "would let Marion have it" in private. "She was trying to keep her family together".

Effi Barry, 63, had battled acute myeloid leukemia for more than a year. She died Thursday morning at Anne Arundle Medical Center in Annapolis. She and Marion had one son, 27 year old Christopher.

Mayor Adrian Fenty has ordered that all flags be flown at half staff and Friday will be declared Effi Barry day.

Viewing at the Wilson building will be from 10 a.m. to midnight Thursday and 6 to 9 a.m. Friday, followed by a funeral at 11 a.m. at the National Cathedral on Wisconsin avenue in Northwest. A repast will be at 1 p.m. at the old City Museum building.

Scores of people will stop by the Wilson building to pay their respects. Those that can will make their way to the Cathedral on Friday. They'll be there to bid farewell to the most popular first Lady this city has known.

We'll also be praying for Marion and Christopher Barry.