DC's 'Mayor For Life' Barry Mourned At Funeral

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Mourners are paying their final respects to Marion Barry at the Washington Convention Center.

The politician known as "Mayor for Life" died last month at age 78. He served four terms as mayor and was the most beloved and divisive local leader in four decades of District of Columbia self-rule.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson will deliver the eulogy at Saturday's funeral. Other speakers include the Rev. Louis Farrakhan and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who will appear on video. Barry's widow and son will also speak.

Barry served as mayor for 16 years and was credited with expanding economic opportunity for the city's black majority.

He also had well-documented personal struggles, culminating in a 1990 arrest for smoking crack cocaine. He served six months in prison but was later elected to his fourth term, capping a remarkable comeback.

Some mourners arrived at Barry's memorial wearing their Sunday best, while others sported T-shirts with Barry's likeness. Charles Wilson of northwest Washington says he got his first summer job as a 13-year-old from Barry's youth employment program and owes his career as a city social worker to Barry. He says Barry is justly beloved by many city residents and people who have negative associations "don't understand at all."

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