Wilson Roosevelt Jerman, one of the White House's longest-serving employees, died last weekend from COVID-19. He was 91.
Jerman worked at the White House from 1957 to 2012 as a cleaner, a doorman, and butler.
He served 11 presidents -- from Eisenhower to Obama.
He was remembered fondly by former President George W. Bush and 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 interviewthat he began as a cleaner in 1957 under 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 his position.
“Jackie O actually promoted him to a butler because of the relationship,” Garrett said. “She was instrumental in ensuring that that happened.”
"When Butch Senior [George Bush Sr] movesd his family in to the White House, George Bush Jr has a little trouble adapting," Garrett continued.
"My grandfather would actually sit with him in his bedroom until he fell asleep."
She also praised former first lady, Michelle Obama, whose husband was the last president Jerman worked for at the White House.
Garrett described Jerman as a family man who appreciated service, particularly service to others.
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