Lurleen Burns Wallace (1926-1968)

Lurleen Burns Wallace was elected Alabama's first woman governor and the third woman governor in the nation in 1966. The next year she was named one of the Ten Most Admired Women of the World.

Lurleen Burns Wallace

Mental health facilities in Alabama became one of her primary interests after a visit to Bryce Hospital and Partlow State School in Tuscaloosa, and to their improvement she devoted much of her time and persuasion. As a result, the Alabama legislature enacted funding measures designed to benefit future patients in state institutions.

Mrs. Wallace received the honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Judson College in 1967 in recognition of her personal qualities and unique position. Her term as governor was distinguished by the efficient and courteous manner in which she conducted state business and by her inspiring courage in the face of illness.

 
Bibliography
 

“Alabama: Gallant Charade.” Newsweek, 20 May 1968.

“Alabama Mourns Governor.” Montgomery Advertiser, 7 May 1968, 2.

Brogden, Neal. “Will the Governor Be a Lady?” Atlanta Constitution, 3 April 1966.

Cruse, Irma R. “A Gallant Lady.” Alabama Magazine, August 1986, 18-20+.

“The Early Years.” Alabama Magazine, August 1986, 6-8.

Frady, Marshall. “Governor and Mister Wallace.” Atlantic, August 1967, 35-40.

House, Jack. Lady of Courage: the Story of Lurleen Burns Wallace. Montgomery: League Press, 1969.

“The Lurleen Gambit.” Time, 12 November 1965, 20.

“Lurleen Wallace, RIP.” National Review, 21 May 1968, 484.

“Official Inaugural Program Honoring Governor Lurleen Wallace.” 16 January 1967.

“The Pains of Loyalty.” Time, 17 May 1968, 35.

Pearson, Ted. “Tumult, Shouting Die, What?” Birmingham News, 15 January 1967.

Plott, Jim. “Friends, Family Remember Lurleen Wallace.” Montgomery Advertiser, 7 May 1993, 1A.

Richardson, Charles. “She Lived the Good Life and Fought the Good Fight.” Birmingham News, 7 May 1968, 1A.

“Segregation Forever.” Alabama Magazine (August 1986): 13.

Skonek, Mark. “Governor Remembers Lurleen as ‘Sweet, Lovely Lady.’” Birmingham News, 5 May 1983, 2-4.

Smith, Anita. The Intimate Story of Lurleen Wallace. Montgomery: Communications Unlimited, 1968.

Walker, Alyce. “Little Burns Girl Now a Governor.” Birmingham News, 16 January 1967, 4.

Wasson, Don. “Gov. Lurleen Wallace Dies.” Montgomery Advertiser, 7 May 1968, 1.

White, Sarah. “A Little Foot—Until She Puts It Down.” Tuscaloosa News, 19 December 1966, 1.

 

Past Inductees
Alabama Women's Hall of Fame
Judson College


© 2000 Alabama Women's Hall of Fame