Shirley Cothran Barret (born September 18, 1952, Denton County, Texas) is an American beauty pageant titleholder from Texas.

Shirley Cothran
Born (1952-09-18) September 18, 1952 (age 72)
Alma materNorth Texas State University
Texas Woman’s University
Occupation(s)Author and professional speaker
TitleMiss Texas 1974
Miss America 1975
PredecessorRebecca Ann King
SuccessorTawny Godin
Spouse
Richard Barret
(m. 1976)
Children4
WebsiteOfficial website

Early life and education

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She graduated from Denton High School in 1970 and was the second Miss America from that high school as Phyllis George was crowned Miss America before her in 1971. She later attended North Texas State University and earned her bachelor of science in elementary education and her master's degree in guidance counseling.[1]

Cothran later used the scholarship money she earned from her Miss America win towards her Ph.D. in early childhood education and family counseling.[citation needed]

Life and career

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Postcard of Cothran as Miss America 1975

She was crowned Miss Texas 1974 and won the Miss America 1975 title.[2] She currently tours as a motivational speaker and still resides in Texas.

She appeared, with her husband and three sons, on the television game show Family Feud in the season 19 episodes 62 and 64.

Personal life

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Cothran married Richard Barret in 1976 and has four children: David, Julia, John, and Mark.[3]

References

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  1. ^ Klemesrud, Judy (September 9, 1974). "For Miss America '75 the Questions Get Tougher". The New York Times.
  2. ^ "Our Miss Americas: 1975 Shirley Cothran". Miss America.
  3. ^ "Shirley Cothran Barret PhD Former Miss America, Author, Professional Speaker". shirleymissa.com.
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Awards and achievements
Preceded by Miss America
1975
Succeeded by
Preceded by
Judy Mallett
Miss Texas
1974
Succeeded by
Phyllis Barger