At Funeral, Celebrating Life and Courage of D.C. Former First Lady

1,100 Come to Pay Tribute to Effi Barry

Effi Barry did not want her friends and family to cry for her. She said that often during her final battle with leukemia, they recalled. So her funeral yesterday at Washington National Cathedral was an upbeat tribute to the former District first lady, who met life's problems with dignity and courage.

"Welcome to Effi Barry's celebration of life," said her former husband Marion Barry, who was mayor during their marriage. "This is a celebration, isn't it? And incidentally, Effi, I got here on time."

Barry's remark, a reference to his trademark tardiness, brought laughter from the more than 1,100 people gathered in the cathedral.

"I don't say to God, 'Why did you take my mother?' I just thank God he gave me 27 years with the most beautiful woman I've ever seen," said her son, Christopher Barry, in a tribute that drew wide applause.

"Instead of losing a best friend, I've gained an angel," he said.

Singer Mary Wilson, one of the original Supremes and a close friend of Effi Barry's since 1990, continued the positive theme, singing "Here's to Life."

"We love you, Effi," she said as she ended the song. "Hey, girl!"

The crowds gathered later for a reception at the City Museum building. The burial is private.

During her 12 years as first lady, Effi Barry drew praise for her reserve and her grace under pressure, particularly during her husband's 1990 trial on charges in an infamous drug and sex scandal.

He recalled yesterday that he told her many times during those dark days that she could stay at home and forgo the trial but that she refused. "She said, 'Marion, I'm your wife, and we're joined at the hip. I'm going to be in the courtroom every day, from the time it opens to the time it closes,' " said Barry, who represents Ward 8 on the D.C. Council. "That's the courage she had.

"She could have said, 'I don't want to be bothered anymore,' " Barry said. "Thank you, Effi, for that."

The funeral was something of a reunion of the city's elected officials and influential leaders. City administrator Dan Tangherlini, Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) and former mayor Anthony A. Williams attended. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) described Effi Barry in his remarks as "truly one of a kind."