Wilson Roosevelt Jerman

Wilson Roosevelt Jerman was born on January 21, 1929 in Seaboard, North Carolina. Wilson Jerman was 91 years old when he gained his angel wings on May 16, 2020 at 6:07 a.m at Sentara Hospital located in Virginia. At the gates of Heaven, he will be reuniting with his first wife, Gladys Olivia Jerman, his second wife, Helen Louise Jerman, along with his son Dennis Jerman Sr., and his three siblings. Wilson resided primarily in Washington D.C. but for the past 5 years, Wilson Jerman resided in Woodbridge, VA with his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Vincent Taylor. Wilson Roosevelt Jerman was born to Theodore Roosevelt Jerman (also known as Slice) and Alice Plummer where he was one of four siblings to; Palmer Jerman, Constance Louise White, and Lawrence Edward McDaniel Jerman. His mother Alice passed away when he was just two years old and later his Father, Theodore, remarried to Isadora Key (also known as Midni) who happily assisted in raising Wilson and his siblings. Through this union, Wilson and his siblings gained step-siblings; Cora W. Douglas and Bennie Mason, who are deceased. Born and raised on a farm in a small town in North Carolina, Wilson Jerman learned early how to work hard and how to dedicate himself to ensure a task was complete to a high standard. His parents were a major instrument in his diligent work ethics. Growing up, Wilson and his siblings worked on the farm with their parents from early mornings to late evenings all while walking 6 miles a day to get to and from school, often without shoes. At the age of 12 years old (7th grade), Wilson decided to drop out of school to help his father, Theodore, maintain the cotton farms. Growing up on a farm, Wilson learned how to use his hands doing many trades, whether it was mechanical or in the kitchen assisting with preparing meals. He always knew that if he worked hard, he could play harder later. Later in life, Wilson met his wife, Gladys Olivia Edmond, around 1951 and married in the year of 1952. Through their holy union, they birthed four beautiful children. In 1955, Wilson decided it was time for him to venture out in life and make a better life for his wife and children. So he packed himself up and moved to Washington D.C. leaving his wife and children behind. He found a basement rooming house and worked at the historical Mayflower Hotel as a house keeper. He did this long enough to save up money to move his family up from North Carolina within the year of 1955. Wilson’s wife, Gladys, sadly passed away in 1966. This was a tough moment for Wilson realizing he had to raise four children on his own. But with perseverance and the support of his family, Wilson worked harder and ensured his children were well loved and were always happy. Within a time span, Wilson re-married to Helen Louise in 1975 and through this union he gained four bonus children. Helen later passed away in 1992 and at this moment in life, Wilson dedicated himself 100% to his children, grandchildren, and to his work. While working at the Mayflower Hotel, Wilson met Eugene Allen which turned into a great friendship. During this time, Mr. Allen received a job offer from the White House and when an additional opening was presented, Mr. Allen encouraged Wilson to apply for the house man job. With honor and much proudness, Wilson accepted the job. He worked his way up in rank to Butler then to Matri’D, with the support of his peers. He decided in 2012 that it was time for him to retire and spend his time with his family. Wilson worked at the White House through 11 presidency’s, a combining total of 55 years. He is the longest running employee in White House History. Wilson was a proud man, proud of his accomplishments but best of all, proud of his family. He made it clear that showing support for one another would make an imprint on strong family values. Wilson was the Patriarch of his family, a true leader and mogul for many of his family members. Family was his motivation and he made sure that his family stuck together and ensured that they came together for all holidays and major life milestones to celebrate one another. Wilson always wanted to make sure his family knew of their history and loved to share his story. He loved to be in the atmosphere of his family which gave him great fulfillment from the laughter, hugs, and of course, the food. Wilson always enjoyed a good family meal and if there was a buffet, he made sure to be there. Most people would say Wilson was kind-hearted and wholesome. He was a petite man, but he was mighty with a strong positive force behind him. Wilson was genuine and showed true authenticity with his persona. He was a man of honor and a fine Man of God. He was truly a happy man and rarely showed anything outside of a big smile and open arms. He was a loving man with a giving heart and would give his last. Though he was soft spoken, he was stern when needed. He was well-mannered and always made sure to show love to everyone he encountered. He had stories from the farmhouse to stories from the White House and if you lended a listening ear, he would tell you every story he could recall. Wilson is survived by his four children; Elaine Garrett, Linda Taylor, Dennis Jerman Sr., Angela Davis, and Christopher Jerman. He also has four bonus children; Yahya Shabazz, Barbara Prince, Judith Hokhmah, and James Conway, also known as Jimmy, (deceased). Two son-in-laws; Michael Davis and Vincent Taylor Sr. and one daughter-in-law; Denesa Jerman. 12 grandchildren; Dennis Jerman Jr., Jamila Garrett, Shani Rivas-Diaz, Shanta Taylor-Gay, Vincent Taylor Jr., Keyonna Taylor, Akila Drayton, Da’Nika Jerman, Damien Jerman, Isaiah Davis, Christopher Jerman Jr., and Isis Jerman. Wilson also is survived by an additional 12 bonus grandchildren and also 19 great-grandchildren with an additional 22 bonus great-grandchildren. He is also survived by an abundance of nieces and nephews as well cousins.

Tributes

Wilson Roosevelt Jerman

January 21, 1929 - May 16, 2020