This oral history interview with Sherma J. Norris was conducted by Robert J. Gassner on August 26, 1988. The interview was one of a series conducted in 1988 by Oregon Historical Society volunteer Robert Gassner with members of the Syrian and Lebanese community in Portland, Oregon.

In this interview, Norris discusses donating a photograph to the Oregon Historical Society. She then talks about her family background and early life in Portland, Oregon, as part of the Syrian and Lebanese community. She discusses Syrian and Lebanese clubs and organizations, including the Syrian Star Society, which later became the Syrian-Lebanese Social Club; and talks about Lebanese- and Syrian-owned businesses in Portland, particularly those run by her family. She briefly outlines the events of her life. She talks about her education at St. Mary’s Academy and her childhood friends. She talks about her involvement in the Republican Party and support of Governor Victor Atiyeh; the members of the Syrian and Lebanese community that were friends with her parents; and speaking Arabic at home as a child. She speaks at length about her family, siblings, and children. She closes the interview by describing a recent trip she took with her daughter.