Marshall Truehill Jr. | New Orleans minister, 60

The Rev. Marshall Truehill Jr., 60, a New Orleans activist and religious leader, died of a heart attack Thursday.

Mr. Truehill was known for his ministry in public housing projects and, since 1973, he pursued improving the quality of life for residents. Mr. Truehill was appointed by former Mayor Marc Morial to the City Planning Commission in 1998.

Mr. Truehill used his knowledge of planning and public policy with firsthand experience of New Orleans neighborhoods and its people to promote economic development and commerce while preserving the character and integrity of the city's historic neighborhoods. - AP