Wilson Roosevelt Jerman, who began working at the White House in 1957, was «a lovely man,» former President George W. Bush told NBC News.
By Doha Madani NBC news
A former White House butler who served 11 presidents has died at 91 after contracting the coronavirus, his granddaughter told Fox 5 DC.
Wilson Roosevelt Jerman was one of the White House’s longest-serving employees, remembered fondly by former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush in a statement to NBC News on Wednesday.
“He was a lovely man,” the Bushes said. “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.”
Jerman’s granddaughter, Jamila Garrett, said in an interview with WTTG that he began as a cleaner in 1957 in the Eisenhower administration and then was promoted during the Kennedy presidency. Garrett said her grandfather fostered relationships at the White House that helped him advance.
“Jackie O actually promoted him to a butler because of the relationship,” Garrett said. “She was instrumental in ensuring that that happened.”
Garrett described Jerman as a family man who appreciated service, particularly to others.
A photo of Jerman with then-President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, was included in “Becoming,” the former first lady’s memoir. The photo of him in Obama’s book combined with Jerman’s overall legacy has helped the family cope with his loss, according to his granddaughter.
Jerman retired in 2012.
“I want the world to remember my grandfather as someone who was really authentic,” Garrett told WTTG. “Always being yourself. That’s what he taught our family, that’s what thrives throughout our family. And that’s what we’ll continue to carry on, his legacy.”
Garrett did not immediately respond to a request for comment from NBC News.
