The White House was giving no sign Friday that President Obama will attend this weekend’s funeral for former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry, with the administration declining to say whether the president will send any official representative to the service.
A White House spokesman didn’t respond to a request for comment on what representation the president would have at the service for the colorful and controversial mayor.
When Mr. Barry died Nov. 23, the president and first lady Michelle Obama offered their “deepest sympathies” and praised Mr. Barry for helping to “advance the cause of civil rights for all.”
“During his decades in elected office in D.C., he put in place historic programs to lift working people out of poverty, expand opportunity, and begin to make real the promise of home rule,” Mr. Obama said. “Through a storied, at times tumultuous life and career, he earned the love and respect of countless Washingtonians.”
A casket bearing the remains of the former mayor was driven around the city in a lengthy processional Friday, the Associated Press reported. Most of the route was east of the Anacostia River in southeast Washington, the section of the District where Barry lived. Barry also represented that portion of the city on the D.C. Council.
The processional lasted more than three hours. A five-hour public viewing was to follow at a church.
The Rev. Al Sharpton was to deliver a eulogy Friday evening at a community service hosted by the church.
Barry’s official memorial service will be held Saturday at the Washington Convention Center, where The Rev. Jesse Jackson will deliver the eulogy. Barry died last month at age 78.
— This article was based in part on wire service reports.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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