CHICAGO, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- Artist and educator Margaret Burroughs died at her home in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood, relatives said.
Her death Sunday elicited comments from President Obama, who praised her for her contributions to education, the Chicago Tribune reported.
Relatives said Burroughs was 95. Some records said she was 93.
"Michelle and I are saddened by the passing of Dr. Margaret Burroughs, who was widely admired for her contributions to American culture as an esteemed artist, historian, educator and mentor," Obama said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Burroughs' family and loved ones. Her legacy will live on in Chicago and around the world".
Burroughs and her husband, the late Charles Burroughs, co-founded the nationally recognized DuSable Museum of African American History in their living room in south Chicago nearly 50 years ago.
She helped shape some of Chicago's most lasting institutions, the report said.
Burroughs was one of several artists and supporters who started the South Side Community Art Center 70 years ago, and she taught at DuSable High School for more than 20 years. She recently received the Legacy Award from the Art Institute of Chicago.
At 80, Burroughs took up roller skating.
For the past 35 years, she and the Rev. Jesse Jackson spent Christmas day at the Cook County Jail.
She had been appointed by President Jimmy Carter to the National Commission on African-American History and Culture.
Burroughs was born in St. Rose, La., and moved to Chicago as a child. Her husband died in 1994. She is survived by a son, Paul Burroughs, and several grandchildren.
Relatives said Burroughs didn't want a funeral and that a public memorial will probably be observed next year.
UPI
