Oral history interview with Velma Simmons
Smoot P. Oral history interview with Velma Simmons
A native of Independence, Velma (James) Simmons was asked to work for Bess Truman in 1980. In the sixteen months that she worked, Simmons was the companion, nurse, and cook two days per week when Valeria LaMere was off duty. Simmons recalls the visit of Jimmy Carter, the day-to-day routine of caring for Mrs. Truman, other staff members, and her interpretation of Bess Truman as a person.