Virginia McLaurin

Virginia McLaurin (March 12, 1909[2] – November 14, 2022) is an American supercentenarian and community volunteer[3] Born in South Carolina, she lived in Washington, D.C., before passing away in Olney, Maryland.

Virginia McLaurin
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama greet 106-Year-Old Virginia McLaurin during a photo line in the Blue Room of the White House prior to a reception celebrating African American History Month, Feb. 18, 2016.jpg
McLaurin during her visit to the White House in 2016
Born(1909-03-12)March 12, 1909
Died (aged 113 years, 247 days)
Other names
  • D.C.'s Favorite Centenarian
  • Grandma Virginia
Occupation
Known forVideo of her dancing with Barack Obama and Michelle Obama at the White House in February 2016
Children2 (1 deceased)
Awards

Her husband died in 1939 after a bar fight. She volunteers forty hours a week as a Senior Corps volunteer with the United Planning Organization's Foster Grandparents Program at the Roots Public Charter School. In 2013, McLaurin received a volunteer community service award from Mayor Vincent C. Gray in recognition of her voluntary work.[4]

She gained national attention after a visit to the White House on February 18, 2016 to celebrate Black History Month, after which a video of her dancing with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama went viral on social media.[5]

She celebrated her 108th birthday with the Harlem Globetrotters.[6]

In March 2016, McLaurin received the President's Volunteer Service Award for her work of daily service to schoolchildren in the nation's capital.[7] McLaurin died at her home in Olney, Maryland, on November 14, 2022, at the claimed age of 113 years, 247 days.[8]

Virginia McLaurin Media

References