Virginia McLaurin

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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

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.

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