Denise Thompson

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Tucker County, West Virginia Flood Audio Recordings

Description

This series consists of interviews recorded by Michael Kline that document the experience of survivors of the 1985 Tucker County, West Virginia flood.  To browse this collection and others, please visit the Berea College Special Collections & Archives: https://bereaarchives.libraryhost.com/

Interviewer
Date of Interview
03-19-1986
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting

Audio
Abstract

On March 19, 1986, Michael Kline interviewed Denise Thompson for the Tucker County, West Virginia Flood Audio Recordings project. Thompson, originally Denise Ann George, was born and raised in Tucker County, where her family has deep roots. She lived in the sheriff's residence in Parsons at the time of the 1985 flood, working as a cook for the jail. In this interview, Thompson reflects on her experiences during the devastating flood of November 1985, particularly the challenges she faced while trying to care for her two young sons and manage the rising waters. She recalls vividly the night of the flood, when her husband became stranded in a different part of town, and she was left to make critical decisions for her family’s safety. Denise describes the moment of being rescued by local community members, Johnny Lambert and Bo Haddix, who carried her children to safety through chest-high waters. She recounts the cold, the strong current, and the uncertainty of not knowing if her husband had survived. Thompson also shares her experiences in the aftermath of the flood, including the isolation and anxiety felt in the temporary shelter at the local school gym, where communication was scarce, and the fear of loss weighed heavily on her. Despite the hardships, she reflects on the resilience of the community and the support they offered each other during recovery. 


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