Notable Oklahoma Women
| A | B | C |
D | E | F | G |
H | I | J | K |
L | M |
| N | O | P | Q |
R | S | T | U |
V | W | X | Y | Z |
A
Alaupovic, Alexandra
Born: 1921, Podravska Slatina, Croatia. Lives in Oklahoma City
Best known for her abstract bronzes ("Composition') and portrait
heads ("Svetko"); designed the Dean A. McGee Award,
"Prosperity."
Allbritton, Louise
Born: 1920, Oklahoma City. Died: 1979
Best known for roles in "The Doolins of Oklahoma" (1949);
"The Egg and I" (1947); "Follow the Boys" (1944).
Alspaugh, Ann, Simmons
Born: Duncan. Lives in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1997
This philanthropist and arts leader is best known for her work as Trustee,
treasurer of executive board of OKC University and OKC Art Museum; 1984
OCU Distinguished Service Award; trustee of OK Medical Research
Foundation.
Amis, Suzy
Born: 1962, Oklahoma City
Best known for Roles in "Firestorm" (1998), "Titanic"
(1997), "The Usual Suspects" (1995), "The Ballad of Little
Jo" (1993).
Atkins, Hannah Diggs
Born: 1923, Winston-Salem, NC
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1982
She was elected to the Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame in 1982.
First black female Oklahoma state legislator and first woman to chair a
House committee; delegate to the United Nations.
Austin, Virginia Thomas
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1989
First Oklahoman to serve as president and C.E.O. of Assoc. of Junior
Leagues, Inc.; founder of Leadership OKC; active in United Way, Red Cross.
Avery, Margaret
Born: Mangum
Best know for her Oscar nomination for "The Color Purple"
(1985); roles in "White Man's Burden" (1995), "Cool
Breeze" (1972); MA in psychology, working on a Ph.D.
Axton, Mae Boren
Born: 1914, Bardwell, TX. Died: 1997
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1985
Best known for writing the song "Heartbreak Hotel" and playing
piano on Elvis Presley's recording of it; mother of singer Hoyt Axton;
sister of senator David Boren.
B
Baker, Isabel Keith
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1997
Member of OSU/A&M Board of Regents; Professor at OSU and
Northeastern University; Works closely with American Indian Children and
bilingual education.
Baker-Fiegel, Mary
Best known for as painter of scenes and sculptor of heads and also
does portraits (including Prince Albert of Monaco); statue of Eisenhower
in Will Rogers Park in OKC
Barclay, Harriet George
Born: 1902, Minneapolis, MN. Died: 1990
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1976
In 1969 she helped create Redbud Valley Nature Preserve; Botany professor
at TU and helped organize its department; discovered 19 plant species, 10
of which bear her name.
Bass, Wanda Louise Jones
Born: 1927, Texas
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1998
Chair of First National Bank, McAlester; built a fine arts center at the
high school; 1994 Governor Arts Award.
Bassett, Mabel Tomlin
Born: 1875, Chicago, IL. Died: 1953
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1937
1923-47 State Commissioner of charities and corrections; created state
pardon and parole board and saw the completion of a building for women
prisoners at McAlester.
Bell, Joann(e)
Executive Director of the ACLU of OK; 1983 Elliott-Black Award of the
American Ethical Union; 1981 Sued Little Axe schools for conducting prayer
sessions
Benson, June Tompkins
Died: 1981, Norman, OK
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1985.
In 1957 she became Oklahoma's first female mayor and also served four
years as first woman on Norman's City Council; 1980 Conservationist of the
Year.
Berning, Susie Maxwell
Born: 1942, Oklahoma City
1968, 1972, 1973 Women's Open Champion; 1963 Oklahoma Women's Amateur;
1964 LPGA Rookie of the Year
Boggess, Mildred Morford Andrews
Born: 1915, Hominy, OK. Died: 1987, Norman, OK
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1971
Internationally known organist; OU music professor; 1972 Oklahoma Musician
of the Year.
Bost, Jessie Thatcher
Born: 1875. Died: 1962, Claremore, OK Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame:
1997
First female graduate of OAMC and of any Oklahoma college in 1897.
Bowman, Edna Mae Hoffman
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1970
Resident of Kinfisher. Ceremonial director of OK Heritage Assoc.
1956-70.
Boyd, Betty
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1996
State representative; former journalist; community leader; pioneer in
Tulsa broadcasting.
Breau, Zelia N. Page "Godmother of
Music"
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1983
Music promoter; established Aldridge Theater; 1947 OK Outstanding
Woman; 1977 YWCA Hall of Fame.
Brooks, June.
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1982
Ardmore Resident. Head of June Brooks Oil & Gas Company; member of
Interstate Oil Compact Commission.
Brown, Frances Rosser
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1973
Frances Rosser Brown Heritage Award for Indian Art.
Brown, (Mrs.) John Dunkin
Born: 1883, Las Vegas, NM. Died: 1967, Oklahoma City
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1959
Operator of John A. Brown Co.; Owned several Brown-Dunkin stores in
Oklahoma; studied at Busch Conservatory of Music in Kansas City; 1952
Board of National Retail Dry Goods Assoc.
Browne, Christine H. Anthony
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1979
1971-86 member of Oklahoma Gas and Electric Co. board of directors.
Browne, Virgil (Mrs.)
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1938
Helped found OKC Planned Parenthood Assoc. in 1937, was its first
president 1937-53; honorary state regent of OKC Daughter of the American
Revolution.
Bryant, Anita
Born: 1940, Barnsdall
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1966
In 1959 she was 2nd runner-up in Miss America pageant; known for her
strong anti-homosexual stance.
Butler, Mattie
Involved with the OKC Black Liberated Arts Center; 1968 Central State
University actress of the year.
Buttram, Merle
Born: 1884, Mount Hope, KS. Died: 1971
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1964.
Helped establish a string music program in OKC high schools; 1961Oklahoma
Mother of the Year; OK chair of National Federation of Music Clubs,
1961-65.
C
Carey, Jacqueline L. "Jackie"
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1984
OKC councilwoman; works with Junior League, Allied Arts, Leadership OKC.
Carnard, Catherine Ann "Kate"
Born: Geneva, NE. Died: 1930, Oklahoma City, OK.
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1982
Elected to Commissioner of Corrections in 1907; helped establish state
institutions for the blind, deaf, insane, orphans, and delinquents.
Chapman, Leta Mae McFarlin
Died: 1974
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1967
Set up educational and medical trusts J.A. and Leta Chapman Trust.
Chenoweth, Vida
Born: 1932, Enid, OK
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1985
Translated the Bible into Usarufa after living with the tribe for 13
years; specializes in ethnomusicology.
Chisum, Gloria Twine
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1984
Head of environmental physiology research team at the U.S. Naval Air
Development Center in Warminster, PA; received Raymond F. Longacre Award
from Aerospace Medical Assoc.
Christopher, Anita W.
In 1951 she first black woman to practice optometry in Oklahoma and
the third in the country.
Classen, Ella B. D.
Died: 1955, Oklahoma City
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1941
In 1 944 christened the USS Oklahoma City; president of Classen Co.
1922-55; 1917 established Rose Hill cemetery.
Cleghorn, Mildred
Born: 1910 in Fort Sill. Died: 1997
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1940
Chair of Fort Sill Apache tribe 1977-1995; born as a prisoner of war
Cleveland, Nannie Hutcheson
Clubb, Laura A. Rutherford
Born: 1873, Kaw City. Died: 1952, Kaw City
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1931
Collector known for her vast number of paintings and rare books.
Cobb, Jerrie
Born: 1931, Norman, OK
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1976
First American woman to take astronaut training for the Mercury missions;
part of WISE Women In Space EARLIEST
Cohen, Sara Ruth
Born: 1920. Died: 1986, Oklahoma City
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1986
Teacher and leader of OKC Jewish Community; chair of OKC Jewish
Federation's Yachad Committee.
Combs, Willa
Died: 1982
OSU and Langston professor of Home Econ.; 1997 OK Vo-Tech Foundation Hall
of Fame.
Cox, Marie
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1993
Founder of North American Indian Women's Association; served on
National Action for Foster Children Committee; Indian Leadership Award of
Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Cravens, Vinita Mary Giles
"Impresario"
Born: 1909, Shawnee. Died: 1994
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1986
Promoted Broadway and performing arts; known as the "Grand Dame"
of OKC theater.
Crawford, Isabel
Born: 1865, Cheltanham, Canada. Died: 1961
Taught the Kiowas about the Bible and translated the Lord's Prayer into
sign language.
D
Daisey, Nannita R. H. "Classy
Lassie"
Born: Kentucky
Wrote for Dallas Morning News; 1889 staked a claim in the land run.
Dale, Dorothea Bishop
Born: 1872, Marshalltown, IA. Died: 1962.
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1937
1919-50, Secretary of OK Library Commission; originally trained as a
secretary and a pharmacist; 1950 OKC Woman of the Year.
Darrell, Shirley A. Bruce
Served on OKC Board of Education, its Vocational Technical School
District, and its Bi-Racial Committee to oversee desegregation.
Davies, Nancy Jane Frantz
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1986
First woman chair of OU board of regents; served on OK Humanities
Council and National Council of the Humanities; 1995 Higher Education Hall
of Fame.
Davis, Alice Brown
Born: 1852, Park Hill. Died: 1935.
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1930
Only female Seminole chieftain, 1922-35; American Indian Hall of fame.
Davis, Frances Dinsmore
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1946
Teacher at Oklahoma College for Women and dean of its fine arts
school.
Davis, Nancy
First black woman to enroll at OSU.
Debo, Angie
Born: 1890. Died: 1988, Marshall, OK
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1950
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1984
Wrote 13 books on Oklahoman and Western history; "Oklahoma: Foot
Loose and Fancy Free" (1949).
Devore, Marion Briscoe
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1980
In 1993 she was honored by the Norick-Hulsey Gallery Society; Wall of Fame
Humanitarian Award from OKC Public School Foundation.
Ditmars, Jewell
First woman appointed to OK State Regents for Higher Education, member
1961-71.
Douglass, Octavia
Sued to obtain equal pay for black school teachers.
E
Eagleton, Norma
Corporation Commissioner 1979-1989; first woman on Tulsa City
Commission
Eaton, Rachel Caroline "Callie"
Born: 1869, Cherokee Nation. Died: 1938
Helped organize a chapter of YWCA 1896; wrote "John Ross and the
Cherokee Indians" (1910) Rogers County school Superintendent
Epton, Carolyn Brady
Born: Chickasha, OK
Watercolor artist residing on East Coast; became associated with
photo-realist movement in 1975; also works with monotypes; studied at OSU
and OU
Evans, Mary Johnston
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1978
F
Farley, Gloria Stewart
Born 1913 in Heavener, OK
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1982
Expert on early OK explorers and the Runestone at Heavener and others like
it
Farrell, Glenda
Born: 1904, Enid. Died: 1971, Enid
Known for roles in "Kissin' Cousins" (1964), "The Gold Diggers of 1935" (1935) and as Torchy Blane in
several movies
Farrell, Sally
President of Lincoln County Historical Society
Feldman, Nancy Goodman
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1995
Board member of Planned Parenthood, Girl Scouts, National Space Institute;
founded Tulsa Center for the Physically Limited and the International
Council of Tulsa; 1997 Tulsa Hall of Fame
Ferguson, Elva Shartel
Born: 1866, Novelty, MO. Died: 1947
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1933
Publisher of the "Watonga Republican" 1921-43; wife of
territorial governor T. B. Ferguson; technical advisor to the movie "Cimmaron"
Ferguson, Lucia Caroline Loomis
Born: 1886, Boggy Depot, OK. Died: 1962
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1937
Nationally syndicated columnist; strong women's rights advocate;
daughter-in-law of Elva Ferguson
Fisher, Ada Lois Sipuel
Born: 1924, Chickasaw, OK
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1996
First black woman admitted to OU Law School in 1940s
Fisher, Mary TeAta Thompson
Born:1895, Emet, OK. Died: 1995
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1957
Performed her one woman Indian stage show in New York; 1987 named first
"State Treasure"; known for her interpretation of American
Indian folklore
Fite, Nannie Kathryn Daniel
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1939
One of the first women Oklahoma sent to the Democratic National Convention
in 1920
Fluke, Louise
Born: 1900
Designed the state flag of Oklahoma
Foreman, Carolyn Thomas
Born: 1872. Died: 1967
With husband, wrote numerous articles and books, including "Fort
Gibson, A Brief History" and "Cross Timbers" (1947)
Foreman, Lela
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1996
1979 first female member of Touchdown Club; organized first National
Women's Conference 1978; involved in Coalition of Labor Union Women and
Girls Clubs of America
Francis, Kay "Katherine Edwina
Gibbs"
Born: 1899. Died: 1968
Known for roles in "Little Men" (1940), "Strangers in
Love" (1932);left most of her estate to Seeing Eye, Inc. to train
seeing eye dogs
Frank, Kate
Born: Muskogee
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1983
1972 National Retired Teacher of the Year; first woman president of OK
Education Assoc.; advocate of the rights of senior citizens and education
Franklin, Diana Ross
Born: Oklahoma City
Board member of March of Dimes; helped found Black Women's Forum in 1979;
expanded the MacFarland YMCA branch
Frates, Mary Y.
Founder and president of
Oklahoma Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain
Frates, Mex
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1969
First woman chair of Mercy Medical Center Board and member of Frontiers of
Science Foundation; received awards from Public School Foundation, Junior
League, OCU Library
G
Gaffney, Bettye J.
Born: Idabel
Coordinator of OSU Home Econ. Student teaching; 1979 helped survey
membership of the American Home Econ. Assoc.
Gardner, Barbara J.
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1995
First woman chair of Tulsa Chamber of Commerce; vice-pres. of Metropolitan
Life; Business Associate of the Year
Gibbons, M. B.
Oklahoma Hall Fame: 1933
Goebel, Kay
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1997
Executive Committee of the Arts Council of OKC; does radio work; therapist
for the Natl. Institute of Mental Health Depression Research Project
Gore, Nina Kay
Born: 1878, Palestine, TX. Died:1963
Oklahoma Hall Fame: 1949
Primary caregiver to her blind senator husband
Gray, Gina
Born: Pawhuska, OK
Commissioner of National Indian Arts and Crafts Board; painter and
printmaker; works with Indian youth
Green, Vicki
Head of OSU Psychology Department; Chair of OSU Women's Council;
volunteer with OSU Jewish Community
H
Hall, Rubye Maie Hibler
Born: Eufaula, OK
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1986
Harbour, Emma Estelle
Born: 1884, Liberty, MO. Died: 1967
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1934
Central State University history professor; National Commissioner for
Better Homes; State Illiteracy Committee; Oklahoma Semi-Centennial
Committee
Hardeman, Carole Hall
Involved with Twelve Inc.; Chairwoman of OK Symphony Orchestra;
Professor at LeMoyne-Owen College in Tennessee
Hardman, Ruth G.
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1997
Served on boards of Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa Philharmonic,
Children's Medical Center, Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa Opera
Harlow, Jane
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1993
Organizer Bizzel Library Society at OU; President of OKC Philharmonic
Orchestra
Harriman, Helga H.
OSU History professor; wrote several book on women in European
history, including "Women in the Western Heritage"
Harris, LaDonna
Born: 1931, Temple, OK
Founded Oklahomans for Indian Opportunity and Americans for Indian
Opportunity; developed Tribal Issues Management System; first senator's
wife to testify before a Congressional Committee
Harris, Marilyn
Born: 1931
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1987
Taught at OU and UCO; Published more than 15 novels, including "Women
of Eden" (1980) and "Hatter Fox" (1972)
Heflin, Frances (Frances Neal, "Fra")
Born: 1923, Oklahoma City. Died: 1994
Known for her role as Mona Kane Tyler on "All My Children"
(1970-94); brother was actor Van Heflin
Hester, Jean Porter
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1987
Internationally known for her work in support therapy and treatment of
leukemia; professor at University of Texas Health Science Center in
Houston
Hightower, Rosella
Born: 1920, Ardmore, OK
One of the Five Indian Dancers; Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo; Ballet
Theatre; Grand Ballet Classique de France; French Legion of Honor
Hildreth, Marilyn Luper
Born: 1950, Oklahoma City
Participated in first civil rights sit-ins in OKC; NAACP Youth Council
advisor
Hill, Anita Faye
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1993
OU Law School Professor; Brought allegations of sexual harassment against
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas; "MS" Woman of the
Year
Hitch, Christine W.
Born: 1890, Kansas. Died: 1984
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1972
With husband, ran Hitch Enterprises, which dealt with farming and ranching
needs
Holmes, Elizabeth Ann McCurdy
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1986
Worked in Continuing Education and Public Service at OU and in President's
Office at UCO; 1984 received Focus on Minority Women's Advancement
Consultant Award
Hood, Darla Jean
Born: 1931, Leedey, OK
Best known as Darla in the "Our Gang" films from 1935-45
Horse, Beverly
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1997
1996 Human Rights Award from OK Human Rights Commission; Director of
Displaced Homemaker/Single Parent organization in Lawton; works with other
organizations dealing with abused children and Indians
Horton, Judith Carter
Founded Oklahoma's first black public library in 1908 and the
Excelsior Club, a black women's cultural club in Guthrie; graduate of
Oberlin College (OH)
Hudlin, Grace Elizabeth
Born: 1908, Morris, OK. Died: 1995
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1986
First female manager of an electric cooperative in OK; former
co-chairwoman of state Democratic Party.
Hudson, Rochelle
Born: 1916, Oklahoma City. Died: 1972
Appeared in movies from 1930s to 1960s, including "Rebel Without A
Cause" (1955), "Pride of the Navy" (1939), "Hell's
Highway" (1932)
Hume, Annette Ross
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1930
I
Ingraham, Sandy
Born: 1947
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1996
1993-named Child Advocate of the decade; Neighborhood Services
Organization; wrote Good Faith Donor Bill
J
Jacobson, Harriet Price
Founded and was first president of the Oklahoma Federation of Colored
Women's Clubs in 1910; taught school for over forty years
Jeffrey, Lotta
Lay leader for women in Ethiopia in 1950s
Johnson, Edith Cherry
Born: 1879, New Lexington, OH. Died: 1961
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1935
Reporter and columnist for "The Daily Oklahoman" for over 50
years; 1997 OK Journalism Hall of Fame; 1948 OKC Woman of the Year
Jones, Barbara Posey
Born: 1943, Oklahoma City
Participated in first civil rights sit-ins in 1958 in OKC; Econ. Prof at
Clark College, GA research in racial inequality in economics
Jones, Bernice
Born: 1905
With husband, built Har-Ber Village in 1968 in Grove; 1996 First Arkansan
to receive Presidential Citizens Medal
Jones, Jennifer
Real name: Phyllis Isley
Born in 1919 in Tulsa
Oscar for "The Song of Bernadette"(1943); chairman of the Norton
Simon Museum in Pasadena, CA
Jones, Mary Eddy
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1978
Helped found OU's Fred Jones, Jr. Museum of Art; chairwoman of the various
Fred Jones companies; active in Junior League, YWCA, OHA
Jones, Ruthe Blalock
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1995
Director of art dept. at Bacone College
Jones, Viola
Born: 1933
Mayor of Langston and never accepted pay for her work
K
Kennedy, Mabelle
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1965
Asst. US Treasurer under Harry Truman; delegate to four Democratic
National Conventions; banker; rancher; Pawhuska mayor
Kibler, Minifred E.
President of OK and Tulsa Federations of Colored Women's Clubs, also
of Women's Missionary Council of Oklahoma-Muskogee Conference of the
Christian Episcopal Church
Kimes, (Mrs.) Charles
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1948
Sold many paintings during the Depression to send 138 people to college;
helped dependent women but tools for their jobs.
King, Ferne E.
First and only woman appointed to OK state Board of Agriculture when
it governed OAMC, 1923-29; published the magazine "The Ranchman"
Kirkpatrick, Eleanor Blake
Born: 1909, Mangum. Died: 1997
Oklahoma Hall of Fame
Co-founded Oklahoma Alliance Francaise; partner of Kirkpatrick Oil; funded
the Kirkpatrick Center; founded Beaux Arts Ball for OKC Art Center
Kirkpatrick, Jean Duane
Born: Duncan, OK
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1982
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1984
U.S. Ambassador to United Nations; served in Ronald Reagan's cabinet;
expert on Latin America; Georgetown University professor.
Knie, Roberta
Born: Cordell, OK
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1982
Studied at OU; European Wagnerian star; sang with NYC Metropolitan Opera
Korn, Anna B.
Born: 1869, Missouri. Died: 1965
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1961
1921 pushed for Nov. 16 as Statehood Day; 1927 founded Oklahoma Memorial
Assoc.; 1928 first OK Hall of Fame
Kuehl, Shelia James
Born: 1941, Tulsa
1992 Elected to California State Assembly and its first openly gay member;
Known for her role as Zelda on "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis"
L
Lambird, Mona Salyer
Born: Oklahoma City
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1995
1996 First woman president of OK Bar Assoc.; first woman elected to Board
of Governors; 1989 Journal Record Woman of the Year
Langdon, Gloria Grace Berry
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1995
1977 American Mother of the Year; publisher of "Tonkawa News"
Langholz, Patricia W.
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1988
Oklahoma Heritage Assoc. vice-president
Larch-Miller, Aloysius
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1982
Editor for OK supreme Court; known as "martyr of the movement"
for suffragettes, beginning in territorial times.
Larkin, Moscelyn "Mouissa"
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1979
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1993
One of OK Five Indian Ballerinas; founded Tulsa Civic Ballet.
Latting, Patience Sewell
Born: 1918
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1988
First female mayor of city (Oklahoma City) over 350,000; chair of OK
Congress of Parents and Teachers; active in League of Women Voters.
Lawrence, Barbara Jo
Born: 1929, Carnegie
Films include "Here Come the Nelsons" (1952),
"Oklahoma!" (1955) (the same role that she played on stage).
Lawson, Roberta Campbell
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1935
President of National Federation of Women's Clubs; Native American art
collector and donated entire collection to Philbrook Museum
Lewis, Anna
Born: 1891, Cameron. Died: 1961
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1940
Pioneered the history dept. at OK College for Women; wrote "Pushmataha,
the American Patriot" (1960)
Lewis, Sylvia
Born: 1921, Meridian. Died: 1995
First black on OU Board of Regents; dean of students at Langston; OKC
Teacher of the Year; 1988 OK Afro-American Hall of Fame
Lindsey, Lilah Denton
Born: 1860
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1937
First Creek Indian woman to graduate with a degree from the Highland
Institute; involved in suffrage movement.
Longacre, Jacqulyn C. Wood "Jackie"
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1993
Founded Rural Health Projects, Inc.; Created "Friends United: Health
for All" for minority health issues; Helped found Tulsa County
Perinatal Coalition.
Lowry, Judith
Born: 1890, Fort Sill. Died: 1976
Known for roles in the movies "The Effect of Gamma Rays on
Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds" (1972) and "Cold Turkey" (1971)
Lucas, Blanche
Died: 1951
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1939
Prominent club leader
Lucid, Shannon Wells
Born: 1943, Shanghai, China
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1993
Chosen in 1978 as astronaut; chemist at Kerr-McGee; 1985 first flew in
Space Shuttle "Discovery" as mission specialist
Luper, Clara Shepard
Born: 1923, Okfuskee County
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1993
Led first sit-ins at lunch counters in OKC; led NAACP Youth Council;
taught history at John Marshall high School in OKC.
M
MacFarland, Lamonia Outlaw
Taught school for forty years; first black elementary school principal
in OKC public schools; OKC branch of the YMCA named for her.
Males, Lorena G.
Born: 1909
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1996
1996 Outstanding Alumna Southwestern State; 1985 Western Oklahoma Hall of
Fame and First Lady of Music of Western Oklahoma
Mankiller, Wilma P.
Born: 1946, Tahlequah
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1994
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1986
Former principal chief of the Cherokees 1985-95; 1998 Presidential Medal
of Freedom.
Mann, Jewell Russell
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1984
Marriott, Alice Lee
Born: 1909, Wilmette, IL. Died: 1992
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1958
First woman to earn doctorate in Anthropology from OU; wrote more than 20
books on Native American culture; "The Valley Below" (1949).
Massad, Janet
Teaches ceramics and exhibits her work across the country; best known
for her ceramic heads.
McClanahan, Rue
"Eddie-Rue McClanahan"
Born in 1935 in Healdton, Oklahoma
Best known for roles on the TV series "All in the Family,"
"Maude," "Golden Girls;" New York stage in 1960s
McEntire, Reba
Born: 1955, Chockie, Oklahoma
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1998
Winner of numerous music awards-Country Music Association, Academy of
Country Music, American Music Awards, People's choice
McFarlin, Ida M.
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1935
McGlon, Evangie
Treasurer of OKC chapter of Twelve, Inc.; 1980-1 Outstanding teacher
in OSU College of Education; One of the first recipients of the OK State
Regents for Higher Education fellowships.
McKerson, Mazola
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame 1997
First black and female mayor of Ardmore; first Chair for the Commission on
the Status of Women
McMahon, Louise D.
Born: 1873, San Antonio, TX. Died: 1966.
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1954
1949 OK Mother of the Year; ran the McMahon Foundation
Mercer, Sunni
Makes collages with salvaged objects; BA & MA in fine arts;
exhibits all over the country; director of the Oklahoma Visual Arts
Coalition
Mesta, Perle Fried Skirvin
Pearl/"Hostess With The Mostest"
Born: 1891, Sturgis, MI. Died: 1975
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1951
Minister to Luxembourg; Gave numerous parties in Washington, D.C.;
inspiration for Irving Berlin's musical "Call Me Madam"
Metcalf, Augusta J. Carson
Born: 1881, Philadelphia, PA. Died: 1971, Durham
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1968
Her first drawing at age 4; known for her oil paintings of ranches and
wildlife; painted a scene on a kernel of corn for Thomas Edison.
Miller, M. Alice
Born: 1867, Lincoln County, MO. Died: 1949
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1936
World head of the Order of the Eastern Star; helped found the El Reno
chapter of the Order of Rainbow for Girls in 1922
Miles, Verav June
"Vera June Ralston"
Born: 1930, Boise City, Oklahoma
Miss Texas 1948; Movies include "The Searchers" (1956),
"The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" (1962), "Psycho"
(1960).
Mitchell, Bernice Compton
Born: 1939, New Orleans, LA.
Payne County Commissioner and its first black elected official; founded
OSU Women's Council; founded local chapter of Women's Political Caucus in
1980 and national president 1987-91.
Mitchell, Leona
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1983
Operatic soprano; 1975 debut at the Metropolitan Opera and became the
first black Oklahoman to sing there.
Monson, Angela Zoe
Born: 1955, Oklahoma City
OK House 1990-93, OK Senate 1993-
Montgomery, Merle
Born: 1904, Davidson, OK. Died: 1986
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1976
President National Federation of Music Clubs and National Music Council;
OU music instructor; Kennedy Center 1975-76.
Moore, Jessie Ellsworth
Born: 1871. Died: 1947
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1937
1926 clerk of OK Supreme Court, second OK woman elected to a state office;
board of directors for OK Historical Society.
Mukes, Gwendolyn Fuller
Born: 1943, Oklahoma City
Participated in first civil rights sit-ins in 1958 in
OKC. Currently teaching at Wichita State University (Wichita,
KS); anticipating graduation with PhD in Curriculum and Instruction
from Kansas State University, Spring 2005.
Myers, Maud Gell
"Lady Maud"
Born: San Francisco, CA. Died: 1962
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1954
Editor and Chair of 'Tulsa World', founding member of Tulsa Philharmonic,
Inc., Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa Opera, Inc.
N
Neill, Alma J.
Born: 1885, Chillicothe, IL. Died: 1948
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1940
Head of OU physiology department; nationally known for work in sleeping
sickness; in 1946 edition of "World Notables."
Nigh, Donna Faye Skinner
Born: 1933, Oklahoma City
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1995
Former first lady of OK; founded Donna Nigh Foundation to deal with the
mentally retarded.
Noble, Mary Jane
Born: 1932, Fayetteville, AR
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1995
Served on OU Board of visitors and OU Foundation; interested in substance
abuse treatments
O
O'Driscoll, Martha
Born: 1922, Tulsa. Died: 1998
Most of her films were in 1940s: "Li'l Abner", Wagon
Train", Carnegie Hall"; helped establish Appleton Museum of Art
in Ocala, FL; served as president of Sarah Siddons Society and Chicago
Junior League.
Oliver, Jennie Harris
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1935
Olson, Pam Vennerberg
Born: 1950, Midwest City
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1985
CNN White House correspondent; Emmy nominated; winner of many journalism
awards; instrumental in organ donation legislation in OK.
O'Toole, Lela
Born: 1909, Thomas, OK
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1975
OSU Dean of Home Econ. 1951-1975; Home Econ. Advisor to Houghton-Mifflin
Co.; 1971 OSU hall of Fame; 1979 Henry G. Bennett Distinguished Service
Award.
P
Page, Amelda
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1958
Page, Patti
"Clara Ann Fowler'
Born: 1927, Muskogee
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1983
Pop singer of the 1950s; "Tennessee Waltz" (1950), "Doggie
in the Window" (1953).
Paschen, Maria Tallchief
"Betty Marie"
Born: 1925, Fairfax, OK
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1972
One of OK Five Indian Ballerinas; danced with Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo;
Paris Opera; NY Ballet Society; founded Chicago City Ballet.
Patterson, Zella Justina Black
Born: 1909, Langston
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1984
Wrote a book on Langston University, "Langston University: A
History" and also "Churches of Langston"; chair of Langston
Home Econ. Dept. 1965-71.
Pearson, Lola Clark
Women's editor of "The Oklahoma Farmer-Stockman"; organized
Marshall Woman's Club; president of OK State Federation of Women's Clubs
Pegues, Vivian
1980 Executive Director of the Department of Human Rights, first woman
to head a government department in Tulsa.
Peters, Susan Ryan
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1982
Strong supporter of Indian arts; merit of honor of the National Hall of
Fame for Famous American Indians.
Phelps, Edna Mae
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1986
First National Democratic Committeewoman; member of Board of Regents
(1983-88); 1989 OSU Outstanding Alumna; news editor of "Oklahoma
Livestock News."
Phillips, Jane Gibson
"Aunt Jane"
Born: 1877, Creston, IA. Died: 1948.
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1938
Organized Jane Phillips sorority in 1937; honorary member of the Osage
tribe with the title Wa-Ko-Do-He, "highly honored and generous
lady."
Pickett, Cindy
Born: 1947
Known for movie roles in "Son-in-Law" (1993), the miniseries
"Amerika" (1987), and TV show "St. Elsewhere"
(1986-88).
Pittman, Evelyn LaRue
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1986
Taught in OKC schools, 1935-56; founded Evelyn Pittman Choir in 1938;
written and composed many operas and musical dramas.
Pitts, Jean H.Short
Born: 1945, Chickasha
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1983
Pioneered procedures to remove artery blockages; cardiovascular surgeon.
Pogue, Lana
Born: 1952, Oklahoma City
Participated in first civil rights sit-ins in 1958 in OKC.
Pogue, Linda
Participated in first civil rights sit-ins in 1958 in OKC.
Price, Betty Durham
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1985
State Arts Council Executive Director
R
Reed, Ora Eddleman
Born: 1880
Ritz, Lindy
Director of Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in OKC; serves on board
of Leadership Oklahoma and OKC Chamber of Commerce; BS from OU, MS from
OSU.
Roberts, Una Lee
Born: 1875, Hallsville, TX. Died: 1950
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1933
1923-35 Asst. Sec. Of State; member of United Daughters of the Confederacy
and various women's and political clubs.
Robertson, Alice M.
Born: 1854, Tullahassee. Died: 1931.
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1939
First Oklahoma U.S. Rep., 1921-23; 1905-13 Muskogee postmistress; helped
establish Henry Kendall College (Tulsa Univ.) and received its first
honorary degree.
S
Sager, Meta Chestnutt
Born: 1863, Lenoir County, SC. Died: 1948.
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1939
Founded El Meta Bond Christian College; librarian for Oklahoma College for
Women.
Salmon, Christine Fahringer
Born: 1916, Pennsylvania. Died: 1985
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1982
First female mayor of Stillwater; OSU professor of Housing and Interior
design; research into handicapped issues.
Sanger, Winnie M.
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1935
First female doctor of Oklahoma.
Savage, Carolyn
1979 OSU Distinguished Alumnus; 1981 OSU Hall of Fame; OAMC Board of
Regents; OK State Regents for Higher Education 1977-93.
Savage, M. Susan
First female mayor of Tulsa and first to serve under mayor-council
form of govt.; chair Indian National Council of Govt.;1998 one of top 25
mayors in U.S.
Schweitzer, Marjorie
1973-86, OSU Sociology Dept.; led tours of prehistoric ruins; worked
with historic preservation projects; 1979-83, OSU Women's Council.
Sells, Irene Bowers
Born: Marion County, KS
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1949
Society editor for "The Daily Oklahoman," "Oklahoma
News," "The Advertiser"
Shedrick, Bernice
Born: 1940, Chickasha
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1996
State legislator since 1981; candidate for governor 1994.
Sheets, Nan Jane
Born: 1889, Indiana. Died: 1976
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1953
Founded Oklahoma Art Center in 1935 and was its first director; voice of
OKC art community in 1920s and 1930s; known for landscapes.
Shephard, Rosetta Pearl Jenkins
Born: 1901, Thayer, MO. Died: 1996
Member of Sumner Farm Women's Club; leader in Noble County Demonstration
County Council.
Shockley, Minnie
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1937
Dean of Northwest State College
Silberg, Inez Lunsford
Born: 1907, Paris, TX. Died: 1984
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1977
OCU voice professor and instrumental in building its music department;
operatic soprano.
Sisney, Sherleen Strong
Born: 1946, Blackwell
1986 OSU Distinguished Alumnus; 1984 National Teacher of the Year; 1980 KY
Jaycees Outstanding Young Educator's Award.
Skibine, Marjorie Tallchief
Born: 1927, Fairfax, OK
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1991
One of the Five Indian Dancers; Ballet Russe; Paris Opera Ballet; Chicago
Opera Ballet; Teatro Colon, Argentina; Harkness Ball, NYC.
Smith, Gloria R.
Born: Chicago
First black dean of OU School of Nursing; 1996 honorary degree from OU;
former Michigan state public health director; a VP at Saint Mary's Health
Services in Grand Rapids, MI.
Spinks, Areda Tollivar
Born: 1947
Participated in first civil rights sit-ins in 1958 in OKC.
Starr, Kay
Born: 1922, Dougherty, OK
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1988
Known for "Wheel of Fortune" in 1950s; has done radio, TV,
stage, movies, tours, records.
Stewart, (Mrs.) Oscar
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1943
Stout, Juanita Kidd
Born: 1919, Wewoka, OK. Died: 1998
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1981
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1983
First black woman admitted to OK state bar; 1959 first black woman in
America elected to the bench; Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice; 1993
tried Ira Einhorn in abstentia.
Strong-Anderson, Alice LaDell
Personnel director for OKC School District, later for OK Regents for
Higher Education; 1988 Distinguished alumna at National Conference on
Blacks in Higher Education.
Sutton, Carol Duabe
Born: 1898, Ardmore. Died: 1995
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1963
1922 BA from OU; supporter of the Oklahoma Arts Institute; endowed
numerous scholarships for college.
T
Talbot, Nora Amaryllis
Born: 1879, Stella NE. Died: 1970.
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1956
1910 BS in Home Econ. from OAMC; dean of Home Econ. 1923-50; established
men's home Econ. course in 1926; helped form the Half-Century Club in 1953
and also the School of Hotel &a Restaurant Admin.
Teague, Bertha Frank
Born: 1898, Carthage, MO. Died: 1991
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1985
Basketball coach at Byng high school; member of National Basketball Hall
of Fame for highest winning percentage of a coach at any level; created
girls All-State games 1964 and OK Girls Basketball Coaches Assoc. 1962.
Terekhov, Myra
Born: 1929, Vinita, OK
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1947
One of the Five Indian Dancers; Cherokee; danced with Ballet Russe de
Monte Carlo; 1961 helped found OU's dance department, later Oklahoma Civic
Ballet
Threadgill, Francis F.
Leader of Oklahoma Territory Federation of Women's Clubs; Strong
supporter of Women's Suffrage
Tonkin, Linley Munson
Born: 1877, Sherman, TX. Died: 1932
Best known for her lithographs; Works include "Looking Into
N.M."
Travis, Doris Eaton
Born: 1904, Portsmouth, VA
1992 became oldest graduate from OU with BA in history
Tripplehorne, Jeanne
Born: 1963, Tulsa
1981 Edison HS graduate (Tulsa); studied at Julliard; DJ for KMOD in
Tulsa; film debut in "Basic Instinct" 1992
Van Lueven, Katherine
Born: 1888, Fort Smith, AK. Died: 1967
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1939
First female prosecuting attorney in OK; set up Oklahoma Job Insurance;
helped found and was first woman officer of Young Democrats Club
V
Vinav, Lushanya (Tessie) Mosley
Born: Ardmore
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1964
First American Indian to sing at La Scala Opera House in Milan; member of
Chicago Civic Opera; sang at coronation of George VI 1937; Lushanya (sweet
singing bird)
W
Wadkins, Opaline Deveraux
Oklahoma Woman's Hall of Fame: 1993
Organized first school in OKC to train black nurses, helped to desegregate
OU college of Nursing in 1950s, establish Langston School of Nursing in
1970s
Walcott, Lute Hailey
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1940
Supporter of United Daughters of the Confederacy and donated land for its
home in Ardmore
Wallace, Edith Thomas
Born: 1880, Iowa. Died: 1975
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1982
Wrote nationally syndicated column "Points for Parents"; wrote
for Oklahoma Publishing Company, Farmer-Stockton magazine, and a weekly
radio program for WKY
Walter, Mrs. Frederick P.
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1971
Walter Art Center, Holland Hall
Walton, Helen Robson
Born: 1919, Claremore
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1992
1941 OU graduate; married to Sam Walton (Wal-Mart); 1991 OU honorary
degree; established Walton scholarship
Warren, Gladys
Born: 1911, Brinkman. Died: 1984
1937OSU graduate; 1978-first woman to make runoff race in OK for Lt.
Governor;1977 Oklahoman of the Year; state auditor
Warren, Natalie Overall
Born: 1899, Nashville, TN. Died: 1996
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1959
1920 Vanderbilt Univ. graduate; active in Camp Fire, St. Francis
Auxiliary, Children's Day Nursery; Pres. of William K. Warren Medical
Institute
Washington, Alma Faye Posey
Born: 1941, Oklahoma City
Participated in first civil rights sit-ins in 1958 in OKC; former board
member of OK NAACP
Waters, Clara C.
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1934
Nation's first female warden of a male prison; ran Oklahoma State
Reformatory 1927-35; Clara Waters Community Corrections Center-OKC
Watkins, Goldie Battle
1991 Building Brick Award from New York Urban League; boards of Black
United Fund and NYC Division of the American Cancer Society
Westby, Kathleen P.
Born: Tulsa
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1974
Tulsa Hall of Fame 1991; TU honorary degree; Tulsa Arts & Humanities
Council Westby Harwelden award for life achievement and founder of TAHC
Wheeler, Patricia
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1988
Former chairwoman of the board of Phoenix Resources Inc.; marathon runner
and mountain climber; served on boards of Children's Medical Center,
Gilcrease Museum, Donna Nigh Foundation
White, Martha Jane Griffin
Born: 1874, Nashville, TN. Died: 1957
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1992
Helped establish the Five Civilized Tribes Museum; 1988 Pioneer Woman
Award; Chairwoman of KWTV's parent company; a director of Oklahoma Gas
& Electric Company
Williams, Freddye Harper
Born: 1917, Bay Springs, MS
State legislator 1980-90;former president of OKC school board 1975-80;
Omega Psi Phi Citizen of the Year 1985; former management analyst at
Tinker Air Base
Williams, Penny Baldwin
Born: 1937, New York, NY
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1997
Chairwoman of Oklahoma House Higher Education Committee; supporter of
bills regarding children's education and adult literacy; primary author of
Reading Sufficiency Act
Wilson, Alma
Born: 1917, Pauls Valley. Died: 1999
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1993
First woman to serve on Oklahoma Supreme Court
Witteman, Anna Luella
Born: 1872, Ohio. Died: 1957
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1938
Started several homes for unwed mothers in Guthrie and OKC; involved on
OKC Welfare Council; first superintendent of Deaconess Hospital, OKC
Woodard, Alfre
Born: 1953, Tulsa
Oscar nomination for "Cross Creek" (1983); Emmy Awards for
"Hill Street Blues" and "LA Law"; ACE Award for
"Mandela" (1987); SAG Award for "The Piano" (1995);
attended Washington High School in Tulsa and Boston University
Woodrum, Pat
Born: 1941, Parsons, KS
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1993
Exec. Dir. Of Tulsa City-County Library System; past pres. of OK Library
Assoc. and National Public Library Association; helped form Tulsa's
Daycenter for the Homeless
Woodward, Grace Steele
Born: Webb City, MO. Died: 1987
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1968
"Pocahontas" (1969); "The Cherokees" (1963); "The
Man Who Conquered Pain"; "The Secret of Sherwood Forest"
(1973)
Wright, Muriel H.
Born: 1889, Lehigh. Died: 1973
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1940
Assistant editor (1929-55) and editor (1955-73) of "Chronicles of
Oklahoma"; wrote "A Guide to the Indian Tribes of
Oklahoma"; active in preservation of prehistoric sites in Oklahoma
Wynn, Valree Fletcher
Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame: 1996
First black to receive an advanced degree from OSU; professor Cameron
University; president Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges
Z
Zahn, Betty Lee Anthony
Born: 1917, Grace, ID. Died: 1983
Oklahoma Hall of Fame: 1973
1971 National Mother of the Year; heir of Anthony's store chain; member of
Junior League, OK Art Center, Uptown Kiwanis Wives