Henry Marsh, the first black mayor of Richmond, and his late wife, Diane Harris Marsh, a loving mother, are survived by their three children, who continue their parents’ legacy of service and community work.
He was a civil rights attorney and politician who made history in 1977 when he became the first African-American mayor of Richmond, Virginia.
Highlights
- Late Henry Marsh was a renowned politician who served as the first African-American mayor of Richmond in 1977.
- He had been married to his wife, Diane Harris Mars, who served as a dentist and contributed significantly to the community.
- The couple has three children: Nadine Marsh, Sonya Marsh, and Dwayne Marsh, who are carrying the legacy of their father and mother.
As a lawyer, Marsh participated in landmark cases that changed the laws to enforce non-discrimination in schools and workplaces.
He was later elected to the Virginia Senate in 1991, where he worked on legislation to improve education and public safety.
Marsh served in the Senate until his retirement in 2014 for a new position in Virginia’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.
The Layer, Henry Marsh, Was Married To Dr. Diane Harris Marsh, A Pioneering Dentist and loving wife.e
Dr. Diane Harris Marsh was Henry Marsh’s wife and an African-American female dentist who spent 36 years serving her community.
She received her undergraduate degree in art from Virginia Union University before attending Howard University for dentistry, graduating in 1961.
Dr. Diane Harris Marsh https://t.co/jFcPgB2O39 pic.twitter.com/UCIUomwxIA
— CHPN (@chpn) September 12, 2020
Moreover, Mrs Marsh opened her dental practice in Richmond, Virginia, in her father’s medical office, becoming one of the few black female dentists in the state at the time.
In addition to her practice, she taught aspiring dentists as an adjunct professor at Virginia Common Wealth University.
A busy career, she was devoted to her children and the arts, a fine artist, pianist, and photographer.
Additionally, her husband attributed his success to her unwavering support:
I knew everything would be taken care of at home. Nothing I did would have been possible without the support she provided.
Their son, Dwayne, called her “a supper mom,” whose love and devotion lifted everyone around her.
Anyone who spent real time with her was struck by her grace, dignity, elegance, humility, compassion and beauty. Her strength of character and devotion to family were unmatched and elevated everyone whose life she touched.
Though she struggled with illness for 23 years, Dr. Marsh’s strength and compassion continue to inspire many.
Richmond’s Politician, Henry Mars,h was blessed with three children
A respected figure in Virginia, Henry Marsh leaves behind three children: Nadine Marsh Crater, Sonya M. Craft, and Dwayne Marsh.
His daughter, Nadi, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the “Children’s Home Society of Virgi and as now serves as President of the Cameron Foundatin.”
Furthermore, Sonya, Marsh’s daughter, loves teaching children and attending to the needs of seniors by providing them with the best nursing care. She says it is her passion.
Additionally, she has taught high school physics at Charlotte-Mecklenburg School, including various AP and Honors classes.
His son, Dwayne Marsh, is also a notable career figure. Like his father, who pioneered public service, he has reached significant milestones in his commitment to his community.
He is an accomplished leader with 33-plus years of experience in the public, non-profit, and philanthropic sectors.
Dwayne is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Northern California Grantmakers, where he promotes racial and economic equity.
Additional Information
- Henry Marsh, a politician’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million as of 2025.
- His son, Dwayne Marsh, is married to his wife, Farzana Serang, and the two travel a lot.
- Marsh had six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and he adored them dearly.
