Miss Texas 1942. First Miss Texas to become Miss America. A few years later, she would be one of the judges to choose Phyllis George to become Miss Texas 1971 and Phyllis would later become Miss America.
Miss America 1942.
Before her death she wrote her autobiography "Finding My Little Red Hat" where she revealed she was sexually assaulted at the age of 12.
The former Miss Texas and Miss America of 1942 was also adept at riding horses and roping steers. Her first job had been as a stenographer.
Her role as Miss America helped boost American troops' morale during World War II. She traveled to visit defense plants, hospitals and service camps and sold war bonds.
Signed to a seven-year contract by 20th Century Fox in 1942 with a starting salary of $100 a week.
She was training to be a secretary when she was scouted for the Miss Tyler pageant in Tyler, Texas.
As a child she was a member of her parents' travelling medicine show, where she sang, dance and performed on trick horses.