Ferguson, Elva The wife of territorial governor Thomas B. Ferguson,
this frontier newswoman copublished the first edition of the Watonga
Republican in 1892. Known as the "first lady of Oklahoma
newspaperdom," Ferguson’s life story was the basis for the classic
novel and movie, Cimarron, by Edna Ferber.
Fisher, Ada Lois Sipuel A pioneer of integration, the Chickasha
native was the first African-American to challenge the state’s segregation
laws and was admitted to the University of Oklahoma Law School in 1951. She
died in 1995.
Fisher, Te Ata This Chickasaw actress and storyteller was born in
Emet, Indian Territory, in 1895 and spent her life making dramatic
interpretations of American Indian folklore. Graduating from Oklahoma College for
Women in 1919, she was proclaimed as Oklahoma’s Official
State Treasure by Governor Henry Bellmon in 1987. She died in 1995.
Fluke, Louise After submitting an entry to the Daughters of the
American Revolution statewide contest, Fluke—an Oklahoma City housewife—had
the winning state flag design when she was just twenty-five. She died in
1986.
Frates, Mary Founder and director emeritus of the Oklahoma Arts
Institute, Frates—an Oklahoma City native—is still greatly involved in
the arts community in Oklahoma, holding a position on the board of OAI.
Gaylord, Edith Kinney In 1943, Gaylord became the first woman to
serve on the general news desk of the Washington Bureau of the Associated
Press. Before her death in January 2001, Gaylord, a member of the Oklahoma
Journalism Hall of Fame, established a $500,000 endowment at the University
of Oklahoma.
Ghostley, Alice An acclaimed actress and comedienne on the stage,
television, and big screen, the Henryetta native and Tony-award winner has
appeared in blockbusters such as The Graduate, To Kill a Mockingbird,
and Grease.
Hale, Sue Executive editor of the Oklahoman, Oklahoma’s
largest newspaper, this Kansas native moved to Oklahoma in 1975 and has
spent more than thirty-seven years in journalism.
Harjo, Joy Born in Tulsa, this member of the Muskogee Nation is a
multitalented musician, writer, and poet who has published a children’s
book and two volumes of poetry. In 2003, she received the Arrell Gibson
Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oklahoma Center for the Book.
Helmerich, Peggy A celebrated Tulsa philanthropist, Helmerich has
spent a lifetime working on behalf of books, education, and learning. In
1998, the University of Oklahoma named their library’s Great Reading Room in her
honor.
Hightower, Rosella Hailing from Ardmore, this Choctaw ballerina was
noted for her strong technical skills and superb choreography. In 1980, she
became artistic director of the Paris Opera Ballet, which was considered an
outstanding example of American ballet in Europe.
Hill, Anita A Lone Tree native, this former University of Oklahoma
law professor gained national attention after she spoke out against Supreme
Court nominee Clarence Thomas, alleging sexual harassment. The controversial
hearings increased awareness of sexual harassment in the workplace.
Hinton, S.E. One of the best-known writers of young adult fiction,
this Tulsa author is most recognized for her first book, The Outsiders,
which was released as a motion picture in 1983. More recently, the
award-winning Hinton has written books for younger children.
Hogan, Rosemary Referred to as the "Angel of Battan" for
her work in the Japanese battle, Hogan—a Walters native—served as an
Army Air Corps nurse and was a prisoner of war from 1942 to 1945. One of the
first nurses to receive the Purple Heart, she died in 1964 at the age of
fifty-two.
Jackson, Nelle Shields The namesake for Miss Jackson’s, Tulsa’s
luxury shopping emporium in Utica Square, this fashion entrepreneur got her
start as a personal shopper in Pennsylvania before making her way to
Oklahoma at the age of thirty-five. She died in 1966.
Jackson, Wanda Known as the "first lady of rockabilly,"
this Maud native and Oklahoma City resident has recorded more than fifty
albums throughout her career.
Jayroe, Jane Crowned Miss America in 1967, this Laverne native worked
in the journalism field for twenty years before turning to politics in 1999,
when she was appointed cabinet secretary and executive director for the Oklahoma
Tourism and Recreation Department by Governor Frank Keating.
Jones, Jennifer This Tulsa actress won the 1943 Academy Award for
best performance by a motion-picture actress for her role in The Song of
Bernadette. She acted in more than twenty movies between 1939 and 1974.
Kamber, Eleanor The owner and television face of Oklahoma City
retailer Kambers, this capital city resident began starring in the store’s
commercials in the early sixties and continued until 2001. She died at the
age ninety-two in 2002.
Keating, Cathy This Tulsa native and former first lady of Oklahoma is
noted for her restoration of the Governor’s Mansion and her activism after
the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995. She coordinated In Their Name, a
book benefiting bombing survivors and victims’ families.
Kennedy, Maybelle A Pawhuska native, Kennedy served as Assistant U.S.
Treasurer under President Truman.
Kirkpatrick, Eleanor Establishing the Kirkpatrick foundation with her
husband John in 1955, this philanthropist helped to establish museums within
the state and cultivate a number of Oklahoma charities and cultural
organizations. The Mangum native died in 1997.
Kirkpatrick, Jeane One of America’s definitive experts on world
politics and international affairs, this scholar, diplomat, and political
scientist has served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. The
Duncan native now teaches political theory at Georgetown University in
Washington, D.C.
Laird, Mignon Born into show business, this lifelong performer made
her vaudeville debut at the age of seventeen and had her greatest success as
a part of the Ziegfeld Follies, coheadlining with Will Rogers. A
native of Cheyenne, Laird died in New York City in May 1980 at the age of
seventy-six.
Larkin, Moscelyne One of the state’s five noted Indian ballerinas,
this Shawnee-Peoria Indian was born in Miami and at fifteen became a member
of the original Ballet Russe. Known for her tiny physique, stage presence,
and outstanding jumps, she founded what is now the Tulsa Ballet Theatre in
1956.
Latting, Patience This Oklahoma City native was elected the city’s
mayor in 1971, serving several terms until 1983. During her tenure, Oklahoma
City was the largest city in the United States with an elected female mayor.
Letts, Billie This Durant author grabbed the spotlight with her 1995
novel, Where the Heart Is, which won the Oklahoma Book Award the
following year and was adapted for the big screen in 2000.
Lewis, Anna Born near Poteau in then Indian Territory, this Choctaw
historian was a professor of history at the Oklahoma College for Women in
Chickasha until 1956. She received a posthumous induction into the Oklahoma
Higher Education Hall of Fame in October 2003.
Lockwood, Cassandra Sawyer A Cherokee Nation missionary, Lockwood
came to Indian Territory in 1834. She took on the duties of cooking,
nursing, cleaning, and sewing and taught these life skills to Cherokee
females.
Lucid, Shannon This NASA astronaut, originally from Bethany,
currently holds the United States single mission space flight endurance
record on the Russian Space Station Mir, remaining on the mission for
188 days. She has been awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor and
was named Oklahoman of the Year by Oklahoma Today in 1996.
Luper, Clara Born in Hoffman in 1923, Luper is known for her work in
racial integration and her affiliation with the NAACP. She is most noted for
leading the nation’s first sit-ins at an Oklahoma City lunch counter.
Mankiller, Wilma A native of Tahlequah, Mankiller made history in
1987 when she was elected principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, the first
female to do so in modern times. As the Cherokee leader, she represented the
second-largest tribe in the United States. She was awarded the Presidential
Medal of Freedom from President Clinton in 1998.
Marland, Lydie Often referred to as Oklahoma’s most mysterious
lady, this Ponca City native was the niece and eventual wife of oil
wildcatter and future governor E.W. Marland. The couple’s mansion was
abandoned by Marland for twenty-two years before she helped to restore it
and open it to the public as a museum. She died in 1987.
McEntire, Reba Originally from the small town of Chockie, this
Grammy-winning country music artist has sold more than forty-eight million
records throughout her career and was praised on Broadway for her work as
Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun. She currently stars in her own WB
television show, Reba.
McKerson, Mazola Elected Ardmore’s first black and first female
city commissioner in 1977, she became the city’s mayor two years later.
She served as chairman of the Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women
under Governor George Nigh.
Mesta, Perle Renowned as the "Hostess with the Mostess,"
this socialite managed to successfully merge politics with entertaining. She
was appointed as minister to Luxembourg by President Truman in 1949 and
named Oklahoma’s Ambassador to the World at the 1965 World’s Fair. She
died in 1975.
Metcalfe, Augusta Touted as one of America’s greatest western
artists, this Durham native was entirely self-taught. Her realistic
paintings depict life on the ranch and western frontier. She died in 1971.
Meyers-Bode, Ruth This Oklahoma City fashion retailer has been
bringing cutting-edge couture to clients for more than twenty-seven years at
her namesake store—Ruth Meyers—in Nichols Hills Plaza.
Miles-LaGrange, Vicki Born in Oklahoma City, LaGrange worked for the
U.S. Justice Department before returning to Oklahoma and eventually running
for state senator. She was appointed to the federal bench in 1994, the first
African-American federal judge in the Tenth District.
Miles, Vera A native of Boise City, this actress left Oklahoma for
Hollywood and starred in a number of television shows and feature films,
including a role as Laurie Jorgensen in the western classic, The
Searchers, opposite John Wayne.
Miller, Jody This Grammy-winning singer from Blanchard has long
recorded music with a country gospel sound. She recently released an
anthology of her music, including twenty-six of her best-known tunes.
Miller, Shannon Born and raised in Edmond, Miller is known as the
most decorated gymnast in the United States—male or female—having earned
seven Olympic medals and nine world championship medals from 1990-1996. She
was the first American gymnast to earn a gold medal on the balance beam.
Along with Shannon Lucid, she was named Oklahoman of the Year by Oklahoma
Today in 1996
Mitchell, Leona An acclaimed operatic star, this soprano’s voice is
in great demand throughout the world. A native of Enid, Mitchell has
performed for eighteen consecutive seasons at the Metropolitan Opera.
Moore, Jessie Randolph Born in 1871, this Chickasaw lawyer was
admitted to the bar in 1923, and in 1926 became the second woman elected to
a state office. She was responsible for organizing the state’s Women’s
Emergency Relief, a plan later adopted on a federal level.
Mulhall, Lucille Known as America’s first cowgirl, this roper and
rider traveled the country with her Wild West vaudeville act, "Lucille
Mulhall and Her Westerners." The Mulhall native died in 1940 at the age
of fifty-four and in 1975 was inducted posthumously into the Rodeo Hall of
Fame.
Mullally, Megan An Oklahoma City native and former ballerina, this
actress won an Emmy for her role as socialite Karen Walker on NBC’s Will
and Grace.
Nigh, Donna Committed to public service, this former first lady and
Oklahoma City resident has guided many causes to improve quality of life for
Oklahomans with developmental disabilities, including legislation to
establish group homes in the state and creating the Donna Nigh Foundation.
Overholser, Anna Murphy Arriving in Oklahoma City after the 1889 Land
Run, Anna Murphy married Henry Overholser and became a noted socialite and
hostess. The couple’s home, built in 1904, is the historic Overholser
Mansion in Oklahoma City’s Heritage Hills neighborhood.
Page, Patti Throughout her seven-decade career, recording artist
Patti Page—a Claremore native—has sold more than 100 million records,
including fifteen gold records. Her recording of "Tennessee Waltz"
remains the biggest-selling single ever recorded by a female artist.
Peters, Susan Once a field matron in Anadarko, this cultural
preservationist became an American Indian art expert and was reputed to have
brought about the renaissance of Indian art. She was adopted by the Kiowa
tribe in 1954 and was awarded a merit of honor from the National Hall of
Fame for Famous American Indians.
Phillips, Genevieve The wife of Tulsa oil magnate Waite Phillips,
this philanthropist dedicated her life to endowing the arts. After living
for eleven years in their Philbrook Villa, the couple donated the home—today,
the Philbrook Museum of Art—to the citizens of Tulsa.
Place, Mary Kay This Tulsa native and University of Tulsa graduate
began acting in the Seventies and won an Emmy for her role on the satirical
prime time soap opera, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman.
Powell, Susan Crowned Miss America in 1981, this Elk City native and
Oklahoma City University graduate currently stars as the host of Home
Matters on the Discovery Channel.
Price, Betty Long-time director of the Oklahoma Arts Council, this
Muskogee native has lead the statewide arts charge since 1983.
Robertson, Alice Mary The daughter of Creek missionary Ann
Eliza Robertson, the Tullahassee native was the state’s first woman to
serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and only the second woman in the
country to hold such an office. Also a leader in the education of Indian
youth, she died in 1931.
Robertson, Ann Eliza Worcester A recognized scholar in the Creek
language, in 1892, this missionary and educator became the first woman in
the United States to receive an honorary doctorate. The Tullahassee native
was responsible for the translation of the New Testament for the Creek and
Seminole tribes, a task that took twelve years.
Sheets, Nan Founder of what would later become the Oklahoma City
Museum of Art, this nationally known Oklahoma City artist worked as director
of the state’s first art museum for twenty-nine years. She died in 1976,
at the age of ninety.
Shepard, Jean Originally from Pauls Valley, this "Grand Lady of
the Grand Ole Opry" was the first female country music singer to sell a
million records and has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry for forty-seven
years.
Shirley, Donna As manager of the Mars Exploration Program, Shirley
led the NASA team that built the Sojourner Rover. Retired from NASA
in August 1998, she teaches at the University of Oklahoma College of
Engineering.
Smallwood, Norma A native of Tulsa, this 1926 Miss America was the
first Native American to capture the title. Before her death in 1966, she
married twice, once to millionaire art collector and oil man, Thomas
Gilcrease.
Smith, Shawntel Crowned the seventy-fifth Miss America in 1996, this
Muldrow native has since worked as an on-air personality and travels the
nation speaking to America’s youth.
Starr, Belle Known as "Queen of the Outlaws," Starr became
notorious for riding through the plains of Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri
dressed in velvet and with two revolvers strapped to her waist. She died in
1889 and was buried on the land of her Indian Territory home, Younger's Bend—a
reputed hideout for outlaws such as Jesse James and Blue Duck.
Starr, Kay This self-described "saloon singer" has dabbled
in jazz, pop, country, and R&B throughout her decades-long career. In
2002, her jazz album, Movin’, was remastered and rereleased with
its original twenty-four tracks.
Sturgeon, Sally Lewis Stephens An opponent of the women’s rights
movement, Sturgeon was appointed health inspector for Oklahoma State
Department of Health in 1920—the first woman to hold the position in the United
States.
Stout, Juanita Kidd Born in Wewoka, Stout was the first black woman
elected to the bench when she served as Judge of the Common Pleas Court in
Philadelphia. In 1963, she was designated a special ambassador to the Kenya
Independence Celebration by President Kennedy.
Tallchief, Maria Tallchief, a Fairfax native, became famous for her
skill and talent with the New York City Ballet. An Osage Indian, she is
often regarded as the greatest ballerina ever born in the United States.
Tallchief, Marjorie The younger sister of Maria, this Fairfax native
was instrumental in developing the Dallas Civic Ballet and its nationally
renowned school. Tallchief was considered an outstanding lyrical dancer with
a tremendous gift for interpretation.
Teague, Bertha Frank After a year of coaching at Cairo High in 1926,
Teague made her way to Byng, where she coached girls basketball for
forty-three seasons. The first woman inducted into the National Basketball
Hall of Fame in 1985 and the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in 1989, Teague
died in 1991 at the age of ninety-two.
Thomas, Joyce Carol Winner of the National Book Award, the American
Book Award, and an Oklahoma Center for the Book lifetime achievement award,
Thomas—a Ponca City native—is a celebrated author, having penned more
than a dozen books for children, young adults, and adults.
Tripplehorn, Jeanne After making her film debut in 1992’s Basic
Instinct, this Tulsa native has gone on to star in major Hollywood
films, such as The Firm, Waterworld, Sliding Doors, and
Mickey Blue Eyes.
Valletta, Amber Famous for her beauty and an icon in the
fashion world, this Tulsa native has appeared on the covers of hundreds of
magazine and had roles in What Lies Beneath opposite Harrison Ford
and more recently in Duplex.
Waters, Clara In 1927, Waters was named warden of the Oklahoma State
Reformatory, making her the first woman in the country to head an all-male
state prison. She was responsible for the in-house educational program that
would later become the first fully accredited prison high school in the
United States.
Wilson, Alma Bell This Pauls Valley native was the first woman
named to the Oklahoma Supreme Court and became the court’s first female
chief justice. She was inducted to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1996 and
died in Oklahoma City in 1999.
Woodard, Alfre An eleven-time Emmy-nominated actress born in Tulsa,
Woodard has snagged the coveted award four times, most recently for her
guest role in ABC’s The Practice.
