Wilson Roosevelt Jerman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wilson Roosevelt Jerman
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Wilson Jerman in 2004
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| Born | January 21, 1929 Seaboard, North Carolina, U.S.
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| Died | May 16, 2020 (aged 91) Woodbridge, Virginia, U.S.
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| Occupation | White House butler |
| Children | 5 |
Wilson Roosevelt Jerman (born January 21, 1929 – died May 16, 2020) was an American butler. He worked for 11 different U.S. presidents at the White House. He was one of the White House's longest-serving employees.
Contents
Wilson Jerman's Life and White House Career
Wilson Jerman was born in Seaboard, North Carolina, in 1929. His father worked on a farm. When he was 12 years old, Wilson left school to help on the farm.
Starting Work at the White House
In 1955, Jerman moved to Washington, D.C.. He first worked as a caterer. Then, in 1957, he was hired by the White House. This was during the time Dwight D. Eisenhower was president. Jerman started as a cleaner.
Becoming a White House Butler
Wilson Jerman was promoted to a butler when John F. Kennedy was president. Jackie Kennedy, the First Lady, gave him two signed paintings. He proudly hung these paintings in his home.
Jerman continued to work as a butler for many years. He retired for the first time in 1993. This was during the presidency of Bill Clinton.
Returning to Serve Presidents
After a break, Jerman returned to the White House in 2003. This was when George W. Bush was president. He worked as a maitre d' and also as an elevator operator. He served President Barack Obama during this time.
Jerman finally retired in 2012. He had worked at the White House for over 50 years. To celebrate his long service, President Obama gave him a special gift. It was a series of plaques. Each plaque showed one of the 11 presidents Jerman had served.
First Lady Michelle Obama also honored him. She included a picture of herself, President Obama, and Jerman in an elevator. This picture was in her best-selling book, Becoming.
Wilson Jerman's Family Life
Wilson Jerman was married two times. He had five children. His first wife, Gladys, passed away in 1966. President Lyndon B. Johnson even asked his own doctor to help her before she died. Jerman's second wife, Helen, died in the 1990s.
Passing Away
Wilson Jerman died on May 16, 2020. He was 91 years old. He passed away from problems caused by COVID-19. This happened during the COVID-19 pandemic in Virginia.
Images for kids
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Wilson Jerman in 2004
