- 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.
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