Jessie Thompson, an employee with the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles for more than 33 years, passed away on May 7.

Jessie first joined the chapter in 1976 as a Bloodmobile Volunteer Coordinator and in 1981 was promoted to Assistant Director, Office of Volunteer Personnel. Over the years, she managed volunteers in numerous capacities, including recruiting and scheduling volunteers for the bloodmobile and other volunteer assignments, staffing and supervising telephone hotlines and disasters, and assisting with the coordination of volunteer recognition events.

After retiring in 2000, Jessie continued to work part-time as a Volunteer Specialist until April. She was loved by her colleagues and volunteers because of her cheerful demeanor, patience, and dedication to the Red Cross.

Mauria McPoland, Volunteer Resources Officer, commented, “Jessie was a delightful and devoted employee, who managed the volunteer process at our Inglewood office with grace and professionalism. The OVP team and I will deeply miss this elegant woman with whom we had the pleasure of working for the past year and a half.”

Former Office of Volunteer Directors Cheryl Dowden and Trish Solomon praised Jessie’s interviewing techniques, her good-natured personality and her devotion to the volunteers with whom she worked.

Jessie is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth, and countless Red Cross volunteers and employees who consider themselves members of her extended family. The chapter will host a memorial presentation for Jessie this summer.

Tags: jessie thompson, volunteer