Venus Ramey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Venus Ramey
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Venus Ramey in 2007
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| Born | September 26, 1924 |
| Died | June 17, 2017 (aged 92) |
| Occupation | Tobacco farmer, activist |
| Title | Miss America 1944 |
| Predecessor | Jean Bartel |
| Successor | Bess Myerson |
| Spouse(s) |
Joseph H. Murphy, Jr.
(m. 1948) |
| Children | 2 |
Venus Ramey Murphy (born September 26, 1924 – died June 17, 2017) was an American woman known for winning the Miss America contest. She also became an activist who worked to help her community. Venus won the Miss America title in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on September 9, 1944.
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Early Life and War Work
Venus Ramey was born in Somerset, Kentucky. When she was older, she moved from Kentucky to Washington, DC. There, she helped with the war effort during World War II. Many people worked hard to support their country during this time.
Becoming Miss America
Before winning the national title, Venus Ramey won the Miss District of Columbia pageant. In 1944, she became Miss America. This was a big achievement! She was the first Miss America to be photographed in color. She was also the first contestant with red hair to win the national beauty contest.
Life After Miss America
After her time as Miss America, Venus Ramey was invited to work in Hollywood. However, she decided that show business was not for her. She chose to return home to her tobacco farm in Eubank, Kentucky. She took care of this farm for more than 50 years.
Working for Her Community
Venus Ramey was the first Miss America to run for a public office. She tried to get a seat in the Kentucky House of Representatives. This is a part of the government that makes laws for the state of Kentucky.
In the 1970s, Venus Ramey worked hard to save a neighborhood called Over-the-Rhine in Cincinnati, Ohio. This area was eventually added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect important historical places. Her work in Cincinnati led her to run for a spot on the Cincinnati City Council. She did not win, but she showed her dedication to public service.
A Brave Farmer
Venus Ramey was a tobacco farmer. In April 2007, when she was 82 years old, she showed great bravery. Intruders had entered a building on her farm in Waynesburg, Kentucky. Thieves had stolen equipment from there before.
Venus Ramey used a .38 revolver to shoot out the tires of their pickup truck. Then, she stopped a car and asked the driver to call 911. She held the people at gunpoint until the sheriff arrived. She later said, "I didn't even think twice. I just went and did it." This showed her strong spirit and courage.
Honoring Venus Ramey
During World War II, a B-17 bomber plane was named "Venus Ramey." This plane was known for flying over 150 missions. It was one of the B-17s that lasted the longest during the war. Another bomber, a B-24 Liberator, was named "MISS AMERICA '44." It flew 133 missions. Naming these planes after her showed how much she was admired.
Family Life
Venus Ramey married Joseph Henry Murphy, Jr. in 1948. They later divorced. She raised two sons, Joseph Henry "Hank" Murphy III and Martin Wallace "Wally" Murphy.
Venus Ramey passed away in Agoura Hills, California, on June 17, 2017. She was 92 years old. Her funeral was held in Science Hill, Kentucky, and she was buried in the Eubank Cemetery.
