Western Oklahoma State College

Edythe Joy "Boozie" Howard McMahan         Back to Inductee List

Edythe Joy "Boozie" Howard McMahan is a lifelong resident of Altus, who was born in 1926 into a pioneering Jackson County farm family. She attended Altus Public Schools and Altus Junior College. She has spent much of her life serving Altus, most especially in elected office, including eight years as the first woman elected to the Altus City Council. That term of service was followed by eight years as Altus City Mayor. Affectionately known as "The People’s Mayor," her door was always open as she brought much economic and infrastructure development to the community. Altus was also made much more attractive through various beautification projects she sponsored. Although she was a member of many statewide committees, she is most proud of her service to Altus. She has been a member of countless organizations, including United Way, the JCMH board of directors, the election board, and various Altus school organizations. She is a member of First Baptist Church in Altus. Boozie is known as a friend to Altus Air Force Base, Western Oklahoma State College, and the Museum of the Western Prairie. She is married to John Boyd McMahan, a farmer and rancher in Jackson County, who also was a member of the Altus City Council.