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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsWilson Roosevelt Jerman, former White House butler who served through 11 presidencies, dies of COVID
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/498811-wilson-roosevelt-jerman-former-white-house-butler-who-served-through
BY ARIS FOLLEY - 05/20/20 04:10 PM EDT
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 wasnt until the 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.
<snip>
In her interview with the news station, Garrett took the chance to thank former first lady Michelle Obama, 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 arent 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.
</snip>
BY ARIS FOLLEY - 05/20/20 04:10 PM EDT
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 wasnt until the 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.
<snip>
In her interview with the news station, Garrett took the chance to thank former first lady Michelle Obama, 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 arent 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.
</snip>
Cross gently, Mr Jerman.
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Wilson Roosevelt Jerman, former White House butler who served through 11 presidencies, dies of COVID (Original Post)
Dennis Donovan
May 2020
OP
dewsgirl
(14,961 posts)1. RIP Mr. Jerman
niyad
(113,628 posts)2. Requiescat in pace, God soul.
Aristus
(66,478 posts)3. A very distinguished-looking gentleman.
No wonder they made him butler.
Farewell, sir...
muriel_volestrangler
(101,390 posts)4. He had to babysit GW Bush in 1989
When Bush Sr. became president, moved his family into the White House, Garrett said, George Bush Jr. has a little trouble adapting to a new environment, some trouble sleeping. Well, my grandfather would actually sit with him in his bedroom until he fell asleep.
???
DEbluedude
(816 posts)7. Junior.
Too much Peruvian tap-dancing powder.
LakeArenal
(28,858 posts)5. Very nice story. Thank you, Mr. Jerman. 🇺🇸
ismnotwasm
(42,020 posts)6. K&R
Joe Mauriceovich
(52 posts)8. K&R
For Original Thread.