Wilson Roosevelt Jerman, former White House butler who served through 11 presidencies, dies of COVID-19
By: Aris Folley (TheHill)
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
Wilson Roosevelt Jerman, who served as a White House butler for more than five decades, has died of COVID-19 at the age of 91, local media report.
Granddaughter Jamila Garrett said in an interview with FOX 5 DC that that Jerman first began working at the White House as a cleaner under the Eisenhower administration in 1957.
She said it wasn't until former President John F. Kennedy came into office in the 1960s that her grandfather was promoted to butler after building a rapport with the first couple.
"Jackie O actually promoted him to a butler because of the relationship. She was instrumental in ensuring that that happened," Garrett said.
In her interview with the news station, Garrett took the chance to thank former first lady Michelle ObamaMichelle LeVaughn Robinson ObamaWilson Roosevelt Jerman, former White House butler who served through 11 presidencies, dies of COVID-19Budowsky: United Democrats and Biden's New DealObama to skip portrait unveiling at White House: NBC NewsMORE, whose husband was the last president under whom Jerman served, for including a photo of her grandfather in her recent memoir "Becoming."
"I want to say thank you so much, so much to Michelle Obama for including him in her book," she said. "You know, just considering that we aren't able to grieve normally, physically together, that is one way that we are able to still feel connected to his success and connected to so much that he promoted around authenticity and building relationships."
Garrett described Jerman as a "family-loving, genuine man" and said "he was always about service, service to others, and it didn't matter who you were or what you did or what you needed, whatever that he could provide you with."
Garrett said she wants the world to remember her grandfather as a man who was "really authentic."
"That is what he taught our family, that's what drives throughout our family and that's what we will continue throughout his legacy," she said.
Former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush told NBC News on Wednesday that Wilson "was a lovely man."
"He was the first person we saw in the morning when we left the residence and the last person we saw each night when we returned," the former first couple said.
—Updated Thursday at 11:36 a.m.
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Political comments are unnecessary and unwelcome, thanks.
2 days ago, Annie Glenn, wife of John Glenn, also passed from Covid19
She was 100.
Another person that lived to help others.
RIP Annie Glenn
Served through 11 presidencies. That is amazing and sadly his family couldn't be with him at the end.
RIP Mr. Jerman, a life well lived.
So sad to see such a wonderful, giving and loving person walk on from such a vicious killer. His years of dedicated service to the many leaders of our country and their family is very inspiring. I hope that he will be honored for his devotion to his job.
Thank you for the information on the background of Mr. Jerman. It was truly wonderful that President Obama honored him for his 50 years of service upon his retirement in 2012. The Obamas were so very kind in helping Mr. Jerman during his hospitalization after his stroke and after his 50 years of devotion to our many Presidents over that time.
Thank you for the link. It is very inspiring reading.
Wasn't his life the inspiration for this movie?
From IMDb:
A different Butler apparently.
Seems that there were a number of similar butlers in the White House.
So it turns out there are a number of butlers and it varies from President to President, how many, how many full time and part time. 32 years seems to be the norm.
The person in charge of the butlers and all household staff is the Head Usher.
Here's another 32 year veteran of the WH Butlers, Lynwood Westray.
A great story. I never would have believed Prince Philip would have done that - it caused me to gain some respect for him that I never had - I never liked him.
What an awesome 'feel good' story about Prince Philip and the 'servant' sharing a moment in time. And the invitation for a visitation to the 'princely' world of a royal: "Amazing."
I am so proud of his full life and career. He did good!
RIP, Mr Wilson
What an amazing life! The things he must have seen and heard and kept to himself. A true professional and confidant. Rest in peace.