Virginia McLaurin, centenarian who danced with Obama at White House, dies at 113

November 15, 2022 10:56 pm

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. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

Virginia McLaurin, a woman who gained prominence after she danced with former US President Barack Obama, is dead.

McLaurin died on Monday after being under hospice for some days, according to a Facebook post published by her family.

“With heavy hearts we share that Ms. Virginia McLaurin passed away this morning (11/14/2022). She had been under hospice care for a few days,” the Facebook post reads.

“She lived an incredibly full life and appreciated all the love she received from people on this FB page and everywhere she went. (Before the pandemic that is — for the past few years she largely stayed inside.).”

On February 18 2016, the centenarian gained prominence when she visited Obama as part of activities to celebrate the annual Black History Month.

The video, which showed McLaurin dancing with Obama and his wife, Michelle, became an internet sensation.

SEE VIDEO:

This week we said goodbye to Virginia McLaurin at age 113. She was a beloved Ward 4 community member, tireless DC schools volunteer, fearless tenant leader, and a devoted foster grandparent.

Ms. Virginia will forever be remembered for her passion for service and infectious joy. pic.twitter.com/ZYLye7cEJ3

— CM Janeese Lewis George (@CMLewisGeorgeW4) November 15, 2022

Speaking about the White House visit, McLaurin, who was 106 years old at the time, said it was a dream fulfilled.

“I thought I would never live to get in the White House. And I tell you, I am so happy. A black president! A black wife! And I’m here to celebrate black history. Yeah, that’s what I’m here for,” she had said.

McLaurin was born in 1909 in South Carolina, a state in the US. She married when she was 13 years old and had two children.

She started living in Washington D.C in 1941 as part of the Great Migration and she is known for her volunteering work and activism.

She was senior corps volunteer at Roots Public Charter School where she acted as a foster grandparent and mentor to special-needs students.

She also volunteered at C. Melvin Sharpe Health School for over 20 years.