Jerry Thompson Oral History Interview

The interview begins with a discussion of Jerry Thompson’s relationship with his adopted mother, Pearlie Mae Washington. He talks briefly about what she had told him about her childhood in the South, and how she moved to Oregon. He mentions that she was an avid fisherman, and loved traveling to the Oregon Coast to fish. He says that Mrs. Washington emphasized the importance of education, and was proud when he graduated from high school. The interview ends with a brief conversation about what care she needed at the end of her life.

Jerry Thompson was born and raised in Eugene, Oregon. In October 1953 he was adopted by Pearlie Mae Washington. He had two biological siblings, a brother and a sister, and two adopted siblings.