Donna Axum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Donna Axum
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Axum in 1964
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| Born |
Donna Idelle Axum
January 3, 1942 El Dorado, Arkansas, U.S.
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| Died | November 4, 2018 (aged 76) Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.
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| Other names | Donna Axum Whitworth |
| Alma mater | University of Arkansas |
| Title | Miss America 1964 |
| Predecessor | Jacquelyn Mayer |
| Successor | Vonda Kay Van Dyke |
| Spouse(s) | Michael Alan Buckley,
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J. Bryan Whitworth
(m. 1984) |
| Children | 6 |
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Donna Axum (born January 3, 1942 – died November 4, 2018) was an American beauty pageant winner. She was also an author, a television producer, and someone who helped many charities. In 1964, she was crowned Miss America. Just one month before that, she had won the title of Miss Arkansas.
After becoming Miss America, Donna Axum taught at Texas Tech University. She also worked in television, hosting shows like The Noon Show and Good Morning Arkansas. Beyond her pageant wins, she was a busy leader in her community. She served on important committees, including one for the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.. President Bill Clinton even nominated her for this role. She also helped organizations like the Fort Worth Symphony and the Van Cliburn Foundation.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Where was Donna Axum born?
Donna Axum was born in El Dorado, Arkansas. Her father, Hurley B. Axum, was a banker. Her mother was Idelle Axum. Donna had a sister named Mona. She finished high school in El Dorado in 1959.
What did Donna Axum study?
Donna used her Miss America scholarship to go to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She earned two degrees there. She studied speech, drama, television, and film. While at the university, she was part of a sorority called Delta Delta Delta.
Journey to Miss America
How did Donna Axum start in pageants?
Donna Axum began competing in beauty pageants in high school. In 1958, she won the Miss Union County title. She continued to win other titles, like Arkansas Miss Hospitality in 1960. She was also named Arkansas Forest Queen in 1961. In 1962, she became the National Cotton Picking Queen.
Becoming Miss Arkansas
Before 1963, Donna tried to win the Miss Arkansas title but did not succeed. However, in 1963, she tried again. This was just before her last year at the University of Arkansas. This time, she won the Miss Arkansas beauty pageant title.
Winning Miss America 1964
About a month after winning Miss Arkansas, Donna Axum competed in the Miss America 1964 pageant. She won the national title! She was the first of only three women from Arkansas to win Miss America. The other two were Elizabeth Ward (in 1981) and Savvy Shields (in 2016). As Miss America, Donna traveled more than 250,000 miles (400,000 km). She represented her state and the country at many events.
Life After Miss America
What did Donna Axum do in her career?
After her year as Miss America, Donna Axum had many different jobs. She was a university teacher, an author, and a television producer. She also hosted TV shows and was a professional speaker. She was a strong leader in her community. In 1988, the University of Arkansas honored her as a Distinguished Alumnus. She also helped the university raise over $1 billion for different projects.
Donna taught speech classes at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Later, she worked in television. She hosted popular programs like The Noon Show and Good Morning Arkansas.
How did Donna Axum help her community?
President Bill Clinton asked Donna Axum to join the National Committee for the Performing Arts. This committee helps the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.. She also served on the boards of the Fort Worth Symphony and the Van Cliburn Foundation. This foundation is named after a famous pianist. She also helped the Texas Christian University College of Fine Arts. Donna remained very active with the University of Arkansas. She helped with their fundraising efforts until she passed away in 2018.
Personal Life
Donna Axum's family
Donna Axum was married three times. Her first marriage was to Michael Alan Buckley, and they had one child, Lisa. They later divorced.
In 1969, she married Gus Franklin Mutscher. He was a political leader in Texas. They had a son named Gus H. Mutscher. They divorced in 1972.
On March 1, 1984, Donna married J. Bryan Whitworth. He was an executive at a large company. The Whitworths lived in Fort Worth, Texas. Bryan Whitworth had three children from a previous marriage: Elizabeth, Suzanne, and Cathy.
What book did Donna Axum write?
As an author, Donna Axum wrote a book in 1978. It was called How to Be and Look Your Best Everyday: A Comprehensive Guide from a Former Miss America.
When did Donna Axum pass away?
Donna Axum passed away on November 4, 2018, at the age of 76. She died in Fort Worth, Texas, due to complications from Parkinson's disease. She is buried at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
See also
- List of Miss America titleholders
