Influential Detroiter Bella Marshall dies

DETROIT (WXYZ) - Action News has learned that prominent Detroiter Bella Marshall has passed away.

Bella Marshall, 62, was found unresponsive in her home in Detroit and was pronounced dead at 10:58 a.m. Tuesday morning.

When relatives were not able to reach her, they called police. Officers forced entry and found Marshall.

Marshall served as the head of Detroit's Finance Department for over a decade under Mayor Coleman Young, until the early 90's.

She married casino mogul Don Barden in 1988 and became active in his real-estate and casino industry business. Barden appointed her President and CEO of Waycor Development Company. The couple would later divorce.

Marshall became a well-known philanthropist and was frequently giving back to the community.

Her estranged husband Don Barden died from cancer back in May of 2011.

Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano issued the following statement on the passing of Bella Marshall:

"Today I lost a friend and former colleague. Bella Marshall was an outstanding business person and a dedicated public servant for Wayne County. She was hard-working and a passionate voice for the people. While she was fortunate herself, she never forgot her roots. She will be missed by the many lives she touched."

- Robert A. Ficano