The oldest living veteran in the United States, Emma "Big Mama" Didlake, passed away on Sunday, at the age of 110. She was able to meet President Obama in Washington just a few weeks before her death. She was said to have taken ill early Sunday, then immediately passed.
Marilyn Horne, Didlake's granddaughter, said Big Mama had been complaining of being tired the past few days and has been showing symptoms of failing this weekend, according to San Antonio Express News. "It was a month ago today that we went to the White House, a month ago today," said Horne from Detroit. "I think she felt she had accomplished everything and could take her rest."
President Obama, who met Didlake on July 17 at the White House, released a statement on Monday, USA Today reported:
"Emma Didlake served her country with distinction and honor, a true trailblazer for generations of Americans who have sacrificed so much for their country. I was humbled and grateful to welcome Emma to the White House last month, and Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to Emma's family, friends, and everyone she inspired over her long and quintessentially American life."
Didlake was born in Boligee, Alabama in 1905, one of 15 children. Her family moved eventually to Lynch, Ky.
In 1922, she married and bore five children. In 1943, the African-American housewife made the life changing decision to join the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps at the age of 38. It was peculiar for women, not only for those who mostly stayed at home, to make a bold decision but especially at the time of racism and segregation, according to ABC News.
Didlake received recognitions for her service such as the Women's Army Corps Service Medal, American Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal. She joined NAACP after the war and was with Martin Luther King Jr. during the Detroit Walk to Freedom.
