Medical Personnel
Marcia Armstrong Armstrong, Marcia Marcia Armstrong, employed by Upjohn, worked as a nurse for Bess W. Truman from September 1980 until Truman's death in 1982. Interview (pdf - 274KB) 
George and Stella Earnshaw Earnshaw, Stella E. and George B. Stella Earnshaw worked for Dr. Charles Allen and as a nurse occasionally aided Bess W. and Margaret Truman. Mrs. Earnshaw, a native of Platte City, Missouri, provides information about the Gates and Wells families located in that area. Interview (pdf - 137KB) 
Dr. Wallace Graham Graham, Dr. Wallace Dr. Wallace H. Graham was the personal physician of President Truman and his family from September 12, 1945, until the deaths of Harry S Truman and Bess W. Truman. Interview 
Alice Gross Gross, Alice T. Alice Gross worked for Bess W. Truman as a personal care assistant from June 1978 to August 1980. Interview (pdf - 99KB) 
Trudy Johnson dressed as "Gumdrop" Johnson, Trudy Trudy Johnson was hired in October of 1980 and served as a night time nurse and companion to Mrs. Truman until June 1981. Interview 
Valeria LaMere LaMere, Valeria Valeria LaMere, first nurse and companion, later housekeeper, worked for Bess W. Truman from October 1977 to Truman's death in 1982. LaMere discusses Truman's birthday parties, daily routine, the Carter visit in 1980, shopping with the Secret Service and local friends and visitors. Interview (pdf - 5.3MB) 
Robert Shemwell Shemwell, Robert R. Robert R. Shemwell, podiatrist, served the Trumans from 1954 until Harry S Truman's death in 1972 and Bess W. Truman's death in 1982. Interview 
Velma Simmons Simmons, Velma James Velma James Simmons was a companion/nurse for Bess W. Truman for sixteen months. Simmons discusses the meals she prepared for Mrs. Truman, other nurses also employed in the Truman home, and visits by Margaret and Clifton Daniel. Interview (pdf - 64KB) |
Did You Know?
Bess Wallace was the oldest of four children born to David and Madge Wallace. Her three younger brothers were Frank, George and Fred.