Virginia McLaurin, centenarian who danced with Obamas at White House in 2016, dies

Virginia McLaurin, the daughter of Black sharecroppers who became an internet sensation when she danced excitedly after meeting President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama at the White House in 2016, died Monday. She was believed to be 113.

>> Read more trending news

McLaurin died at her son’s home in Olney, Maryland, The Washington Post reported. The cause of death was congestive heart failure, her son, Felipe Cardoso told The New York Times.

After a quiet life, McLaurin became a celebrity in February when she joined a star-studded cast of guests attending a Black History Month reception at the White House, according to the newspaper.

In a scene captured in a memorable video, a presidential aide announced McLaurin as she entered the Blue Room, the Post reported. McLaurin raised her arms and cane toward the ceiling as President Obama walked over to greet her, according to the newspaper.

“It’s an honor. It’s an honor,” McLaurin shouted.

With the president holding her hand as he escorted her to meet the first lady, McLaurin broke into a joyful dance in-place, which led to the Obamas joining her step for step, the Post reported.

“I thought I would never live to get in the White House, and I tell you, I am so happy,” McLaurin said. “A Black president. A Black wife. And I’m here to celebrate Black history.”

“You have just made our day,” Michelle Obama said. “You know that? That energy, man.”

“Well, you made my day,” McLaurin said.

After McLaurin’s death was announced, the Obamas tweeted the video of their encounter and the message, “Rest in peace, Virginia. We know you’re up there dancing.”

Virginia Lugenia Campbell’s exact birth date is uncertain. She said she believed it had been recorded in a family Bible as March 12, 1909, in Cheraw, South Carolina, according to the Post.

McLaurin grew up in a home with no electricity, with light provided by a kerosome lamp that she later donated to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, according to the newspaper.

McLaurin was widowed twice, Cardoso told the Times. She had two children from a relationship with Willie Johnson Sr., according to the newspaper.

She began to raise Cardoso when he was 3 years old and later adopted him, the Times reported.

McLaurin lived for decades on the same block in the Petworth neighborhood of Washington, according to the Post. Until 2019, she volunteered 40 hours a week through the United Planning Organization’s Foster Grandparent Program. She also read to preschoolers at a charter school and encouraged them in their school lessons.

“Her style was a lot of hugs, a lot of kisses,” Cheryl M. Christmas, the project director of the UPO Foster Grandparent Program, told the Post. “Just unconditional love no matter what.”

“She had a whole long life of doing good,” Deborah Menkart, who met McLaurin through her volunteer work and assisted her with her needs, told the newspaper. “She was famous for her one moment with the Obamas but really had a lifetime of dedication to her community.”

©2022 Cox Media Group