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(Gossip-Grind News) Former DC Mayor Marion Barry Dead At 78:

Washington, D.C.’s “Mayor for life” Marion Barry has died. He was 78. Barry was elected four times as the city’s mayor and was a council member for Washington’s 8th ward at the time of his death. Barry served as the District’s mayor from 1979 to 1991, then again from 1995 to 1999. Barry leaves behind his wife, Cora Masters, his son, Marion Christopher Barry and his two stepdaughters, Tamara Masters Wild and Lalanya Masters Abner.

Marion Barry Jr., the Mississippi sharecropper’s son and civil rights activist who served three terms as mayor of the District of Columbia, survived a drug arrest and jail sentence, and then came back to win a fourth term as the city’s chief executive, died around midnight Saturday at United Medical Center in Washington. He was 78.

Mr. Barry died a few hours after being released from Howard University Hospital following a brief stay. His death was announced by his family in a statement released through a spokeswoman for Mr. Barry. No cause was given, but he had suffered from many health problems over the years, including diabetes, prostate cancer and kidney ailments. (Washington Post)

DC Mayor Vincent Gray released the following statement:

“Mayor Vincent C. Gray expressed deep sadness after learning of the passing of Ward 8 Councilmember and former Mayor Marion Barry. Mayor Gray spoke with former First Lady Cora Masters Barry late Saturday and shared his condolences and sympathies with her, and as well said his thoughts and prayers were with the Councilmember’s son, Christopher.

“Marion was not just a colleague but also was a friend with whom I shared many fond moments about governing the city,” said Mayor Gray. “He loved the District of Columbia and so many Washingtonians loved him.”