Henry L. Marsh III, Richmond’s first Black mayor and a trailblazer in Virginia politics, died on Jan. 23 at 91, leaving behind decades of legal and civic work aimed at creating a more just and equal Commonwealth and nation.

Born in Richmond on Dec. 10, 1933, as one of six children, Marsh faced many challenges. After his mother, Lucy Philips, died when he was 5, his father sent him to live with relatives in rural southeastern Virginia while he worked to secure the resources needed to support his family. Marsh and his siblings returned to Richmond years later to live with their father, and he continued his education at George Mason Elementary School, which was renamed to Henry L. Marsh Elementary in 2021.

Henry L. Marsh III cuts the ribbon at a ceremony dedicating a Richmond elementary school named in his honor. Flanking Marsh are his daughter, Nadine Marsh-Carter, left and Principal Kimberly Cook.
By Clement Britt

Marsh excelled at Maggie L. Walker High School, taking on roles such as editor of the school paper, president of the Student NAACP and vice president of the senior class over the course of four years.

“We are deeply grateful for the profound impact of Senator Marsh, not only in the city of Richmond and the state of Virginia, but throughout the immediate Marsh Elementary community,” said Henry L. Marsh Elementary Principal Cornelius Smith. “He is a powerful and far-reaching example of who our children are and who they are capable of growing up to be.”

Marsh continued his drive for excellence and activism in higher education, graduating from Virginia Union University in 1956 with a degree in sociology and Howard University with a law degree in 1959. Marsh met civil rights attorney Oliver Hill after testifying in the Virginia General Assembly against “massive resistance” to keep schools segregated during his senior year at VUU. Hill encouraged Marsh to pursue a law degree, and he forged a lifelong friendship during his studies with future governor and fellow law student L. Douglas Wilder.

“Henry’s contribution, as a lawyer and elected official, to eradicating many of the segregationist acts of the past is recognized and appreciated by all who value freedom,” Wilder said in a statement. “His becoming the first African American Mayor of the City of Richmond enabled the enactment of many laws and regulations that moved our Capital City to national recognition and prominence.”

After serving two years in the military, Marsh put his education to work as a civil rights lawyer. He co-founded the Tucker and Marsh law firm with Samuel W. Tucker in 1961 and became a key figure in the fight against segregated education.

Henry Marsh III center with Oliver Hill left and Samuel Tucker, right.
File photo

Marsh’s legal career was filled with landmark cases, tackling racial discrimination in employment during Quarles v. Philip Morris in 1967, school desegregation in Brewer v. School Board of City of Norfolk in 1970, and a victory in 1981’s Gravely v. Robb led to single-member districts in the General Assembly — and more opportunities for minority candidates.

As Marsh continued his work in the court, he also entered politics, and first served in the Richmond City Council in 1966. More than a decade later, Marsh made history when he was elected mayor in 1977. He returned to a City Council seat after his term ended in 1982.

“Henry Marsh was a true statesman,” former Mayor Levar M. Stoney stated in a social media post. “He loved Richmond and Virginia. Simply put, he made both better.”

 Chuck Richardson, Claudine McDaniel, Willie Dell and Henry Marsh at an event in 2015 to honor the first Black leadership on City Council.
 By Sandra Sellars  

After decades in city government, Marsh was elected to the Virginia Senate in 1991, winning re-election five times before retiring in 2014. He remained a political fixture for years, mentoring others in public service.

 Donald McEachin, Sen. Henry Marsh and Tim Kaine at the Gold Bowl in 2005.
 By Sandra Sellars  

“Henry Marsh was a friend, mentor and role model. He played an important role in my public service career, for which I will be forever grateful,” said U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, who worked with Marsh during her time in the Virginia House of Delegates. “His life was a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of fighting for what is right, no matter the difficulty.”

Outside of his professional life, Marsh enjoyed playing tennis and golf as well as cheering for the Dallas Cowboys. He was also fond of live music and playing bid whist, a card game. 

Marsh was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and wife Diane Harris Marsh. He is survived by children Nadine Marsh-Carter, Sonya M. Craft and Dwayne S. Marsh, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Marsh will be lying in state at the Virginia State Capitol from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30. A viewing will be held Friday, Jan. 31, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Manning Funeral Home, 700 N. 25th St., followed by a funeral Saturday, Feb. 1, at 1 p.m. at Saint Paul’s Baptist Church, 4247 Creighton Road.