A White House butler who served 11 U.S presidents throughout his career has died last week of the coronavirus. He was 91.
RELATED STORIES: Mike Pence Defies White House Rules, Refuses To Wear Mask
CBS News reports Wilson Roosevelt Jerman started his career at the White House as a cleaner in 1957 then moved up through the ranks as doorman and butler until he retired in 2012. Throughout his career, he has served eleven presidents from Dwight Eisenhower to Barack Obama and also appeared in a famous photo with the Obamas. His granddaughter, Jamila Garrett, said during an interview with station WWTG that her grandfather was glad that their photo was included in Michelle’s book “Becoming”:
“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,”
Michelle released a touching statement about Jerman after receiving news of his passing and said he made the “White House a home for decades of First Families, including ours. His service to others –– his willingness to go above and beyond for the country he loved and all those whose lives he touched –– is a legacy worthy of his generous spirit. “
RELATED STORIES: Anthony Fauci In Quarantine After Coronavirus Exposure At White House
During his lifetime, Jerman and his wife had five children, twelve grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Garett also mentioned in the interview that John F.Kennedy’s wife, Jackie Onassis, promoted him to butler because he was very dedicated to his job:
“Jackie O. actually promoted him to a butler because of the relationship. She was instrumental in ensuring that that happened,”