Ms. Virginia McLaurin Memorial Fund

The video of centenarian Ms. Virginia McLaurin dancing and talking with the Obamas in February of 2016 at the White House was seen worldwide. It provided people with joy and hope.

It also enriched her life. She visited schools, sports games, museums, the theater, and other special events to celebrate her long life of dedication to her community.

After a few days in hospice, she passed away at home on the morning of November 14, 2022.

This donation page was created to help her family with memorial services, burial, and other related expenses. Contributions of any amount will be appreciated. (The arrangements were coordinated by Ms. McLaurin's son Felipe Cardoso.)

As she shared in her interviews with the media following the visit to the White House, she volunteered as a UPO foster grandparent and collaborated with other tenants in the fight for quality living conditions. She was a devoted member of her church. During the pandemic, she viewed services regularly via YouTube.

In addition to providing support here, we encourage you to look out for the other Ms. McLaurins in your neighborhood. There are elders in every community who give back to the community and could use some support. They also have stories to tell. Ms. McLaurin came to the attention of the White House after she started recording short oral history interviews about her life growing up as a sharecropper and coming to D.C. during the Great Migration. Learn more from her Tumblr page .

The Home Going Service for Virginia McLaurin was on November 25 at the New Southern Rock Baptist Church, 750 Buchanan St NW, Washington, DC 20011.

The service was live-streamed and can be viewed online.

Ms. McLaurin is buried at Glenwood Cemetery, 2219 Lincoln Rd NE, Washington, DC 20002.