Marion Barry’s Memorial Service Draws Thousands

Getty / The Washington Post / Contributor

Thousands gathered on Saturday for a joyful final farewell to Washington's "mayor for life."

Charli Penn Dec, 07, 2014

On Saturday a memorial service for fomer Washington, D.C. mayor Marion Barry Jr. attracted mourners in massive crowds, reports The Washington Post.

Thousands gathered for a joyful final farewell to Washington’s “mayor for life” who was one of the most dominant figures of Washington’s recent political era.

The civil rights activist, who served four terms as mayor, died November 23 at the age of 78.
Residents and mourners gathered at the Congressional Cemetery in Southeast Washington for the memorial service commemorating his life and those he moved and touched throughout his years.

There were a total of nine hours of events to honor his life and death in the city.

Before becoming mayor, Barry served as a council member for 16 years.