Reva
The person I interviewed is my Grandma, Reva Lee Shively McCormick. She is a 73 year old retiree from Hooker Furniture. She lives alone in the Martinsville, Virginia.
All of the facts about Reva are either direct quotes and or paraphrased answers she gave during the interview. NOTE: the interview was conducted over the phone.
Who were your parents and siblings?
“My parents were John Walker Shively and Ina Collins Shively. I had one brother, Ware; and four sisters, Maureen, Katherine, and Louise.”
Where did you grow up? What type of environment was it back then?
“The family farm was in Ridgeway on Morgan Ford Road. It was a very rural area.”
Who were your friends? What did you do for fun?
“Clara, Kaye, Shelby and I used to go to school ball games, parties, and the movies.”
Where did you go to elementary school? Junior high? High school?
“Back then there were only 11 grades. There was no kindergarten and 12th grade. I attended Ridgeway School from 1st to 10th grade and then in 1952 when Drewry Mason opened, I transferred there for my senior year.”
Did you go to college? If so, where? What was your degree in?
“I went to Business School in Martinsville and minored in Business.”
Did you marry? If so, when? How old were you? How old was your spouse?
“I married in 1958. We were both 22 years old.”
How long did your marriage last?
“13 years.”
Where was your first home? What was it like?
“My first home was in Richmond. The neighborhood was fairly small. It was located in a new development 5 seconds from the Richmond city limits.”
Did you have any children?
“Yes, my oldest Kimele and my youngest Kara.”
Did you have any pets?
“We had a beagle and a parakeet.”
How many jobs have you had?
“Only two my whole life. I worked at the United Department Store and Hooker Furniture.”
Which job was your favorite?
“Hooker Furniture because of the nice environment and the money that I made to support my two children as a single mother.”...
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