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Jane Anne Jayroe-Gamble (born October 30, 1946) is an American broadcaster, author, public official and former beauty queen from Laverne, Oklahoma, who was Miss Oklahoma in 1966 and Miss America in 1967.[1] Jayroe worked as an anchor in TV news in Oklahoma City and Dallas-Fort Worth broadcast media markets for 16 years. Later, Governor of Oklahoma Frank Keating appointed her to serve as his Secretary of Tourism and Recreation in his Cabinet. She served in that position from 1999 until 2003. Jayroe has authored numerous articles and books and was spokesman for The Presbyterian Health Foundation.

Key Information

Early life and education

[edit]

Jane Anne Jayroe was born on October 30, 1946, to Pete Jayroe and Helene Smith Jayroe in Clinton, Oklahoma. Jayroe grew up in Sentinel and Laverne, Oklahoma. She has one older sister, Judith Jayroe Wieser Elmore.

Pageantry

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Jayroe as Miss America, 1966
Jane Anne Jayroe with Carl Albert

As a student at Oklahoma City University, she entered the university’s pageant through her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, and then went on to win the Miss Oklahoma Pageant. Then, at the age of 19, and with no previous pageant experience, Jane was crowned Miss America 1967.[1] She sang with and conducted an orchestra for her talent. After being crowned Miss America 1967, she traveled around the world and traveled to Vietnam to entertain America’s troops abroad.

Professional career

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News industry

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Jane became a well-recognized and respected primetime news anchor for KOCO and KTVY (now KFOR-TV) in Oklahoma City and KXAS in Dallas/Fort Worth. She won several awards during her 16-year career including the first female to be awarded “Outstanding News Personality” in the Dallas-Fort Worth television market. She also hosted a health-related public affairs show, "Health Matters" on Oklahoma's PBS network, OETA. Jayroe later went on to co-host a popular television show, Discover Oklahoma promoting tourism within the state of Oklahoma.

Health advocacy

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In 1992, Jayroe become the first spokesperson for the Oklahoma Health Center and Vice President of the Presbyterian Health Foundation.

Civic work

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She was the first woman elected Chairman of the Oklahoma Academy for State Goals and is on executive committees for the University of Oklahoma Breast Health Institute, Oklahoma City University Board of Trustees and the Oklahoma Health Center Foundation. As a member of the United Methodist Church Church of the Servant in Oklahoma City, Jayroe is on the Women's Ministries Team and a board member for the Education and Employment Ministries. She has taken an active role in issues affecting young people, serving as honorary chair for the Conference on Teen Pregnancy, Youth Arts Month and the Oklahoma Parents and Teachers Association. She is a former trustee for the Sarkey's Foundation.

Government service

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Governor of Oklahoma George Nigh appointed Jayroe to the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women. Governor David Walters appointed her to the Oklahoma Board on Legislative Compensation.

Other honors

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Jayroe Gamble was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in the state centennial year. A street in her childhood hometown of Laverne, Oklahoma, was renamed in her honor.

Keating Administration

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Following his reelection as governor, Frank Keating appointed Jayroe as his Secretary of Tourism and Recreation. In addition to her service as tourism secretary, Keating appointed Jayroe to serve as the Director of the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation.[2]

Literary work

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Jayroe is the author of several articles appearing in McCall's and other publications, such as Out of the Blue, Delight Comes Into Your Life and Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul. She was producer for "Daily Devotionals," a set of audiocassettes by area ministers and laypeople, and recently created a seminar for women titled "Living Grace-fully." Her most current publications include More Grace Than Glamour: My Life as Miss America and Beyond, and Oklahoma 3, a book published for the Centennial year of Oklahoma’s statehood and portraying the diversity of the state.

Personal life

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She currently resides with her husband, Gerald Gamble, in Oklahoma City.[3] She has one son, Tyler Jayroe (born 1976).

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jane Anne Jayroe

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jane Anne Jayroe Gamble (born October 30, 1946) is an American former beauty queen, broadcast journalist, author, and public official from , most notable for being crowned 1967. As 1966, Jayroe competed in the national pageant at age 19 and won the title, becoming the first from western . During her year-long reign, she made history as the first to visit a combat zone, traveling to to entertain U.S. troops and establishing a tradition for future titleholders. Following her pageant success, Jayroe pursued a 16-year career in , serving as a news anchor in at , where she earned awards for education coverage, and in Dallas-Fort Worth at , becoming the first woman awarded "Outstanding News Personality" in that market. She later transitioned to , receiving appointments from four governors, including as Cabinet Secretary of under Governor from 1995 to 1999, during which she also directed the Department of Tourism and Recreation. Jayroe Gamble has authored books such as More Grace than Glamour (2006) and Devote: 40 Days (2011), focusing on personal faith and leadership, and became the first woman to chair the Academy. Her contributions to the state earned her induction into the Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Women's Hall of Fame in 2018.

Early Life and Education

Upbringing in Rural Oklahoma

Jane Anne Jayroe was born on October 30, 1946, in , to parents Pete Jayroe, a basketball coach and educator, and Helene Smith Jayroe, a schoolteacher. The family initially resided in Hammon before relocating to Sentinel—her father's boyhood hometown—when Jayroe was three years old, where they lived for the next 11 years in a tight-knit rural community of fewer than 1,000 residents, characterized by agricultural livelihoods and personal connections so close that the local telephone operator recognized voices without numbers. In 1960, prior to her high school years, the Jayroes moved to Laverne, another small town in northwestern 's Harper County with a single stoplight and population under 1,500, prompted by Pete Jayroe's appointment as assistant principal and head coach at Laverne High School. Jayroe described her childhood as happy, though marked by initial shyness, in these western farming communities where outdoor play, church involvement, and family storytelling shaped daily life; she recalled walking to movies in Sentinel and benefiting from her maternal grandmother's tales from nearby Turpin. Her older sister Judy, approximately four and a half years her senior, shared in this upbringing, with the family emphasizing and participation amid the region's sparse population and reliance on farming and ranching. In Laverne, Jayroe formed lasting friendships, including with the neighboring family of future astronaut , and attended a high school noted for its strong academic cohort. From an early age, Jayroe displayed musical talent, singing in the local Methodist church starting at three and receiving lessons that fostered her lifelong interest in and . Athletically, she played at Laverne High School as a first-string forward, contributing to the team's runner-up finish in the state playoffs during her senior year, reflecting the values of discipline and teamwork instilled by her father's coaching career. These rural experiences, in towns emblematic of Oklahoma's heritage, provided a foundation of resilience and orientation that Jayroe later credited for her personal development.

College Years and Academic Pursuits

Jayroe enrolled at in 1965 as a , pursuing a degree in music through the Wanda L. Bass School of Music. Three months into her first semester, she was crowned Miss All-College Queen, marking an early highlight of her campus involvement. As a member of the sorority, she balanced academic studies with extracurricular activities, including vocal performance, which aligned with her musical training. During her sophomore year in 1966, Jayroe entered the Miss Oklahoma City pageant, winning the title and advancing to represent at the national competition, where she secured the crown on September 9, 1967. Her undergraduate studies were interrupted by the year-long reign, which involved extensive travel and public appearances, but she returned to complete her bachelor's degree at following the conclusion of her duties in September 1968. Later, Jayroe pursued graduate studies, earning a from the after relocating there. This advanced education supported her transition into , though specific details on her graduate field remain tied to her earlier musical background and emerging journalistic interests.

Pageantry Career

Local and State Pageant Successes

Jane Anne Jayroe began her pageant career in her hometown of Laverne, , where, as a high school senior at age 16, she entered and won the Miss Laverne title through the Miss Cinderella Pageant, a youth-oriented competition that awarded her a full to Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva. This early success marked her initial foray into organized pageantry, providing both recognition and educational support as she pursued music studies. While attending as a , Jayroe competed in the Miss Oklahoma City pageant, a key preliminary event for the state competition, and won the title in late March 1966. This victory qualified her to represent the city at the state level and highlighted her talents in music and performance, areas she had developed since childhood. Advancing to the Miss Oklahoma pageant held in June 1966, Jayroe was crowned 1966, securing her berth in the national competition later that year. Her win was unexpected to many, including herself, given her relatively limited prior experience beyond local and city levels, but it underscored her poise, vocal abilities, and representation of rural values.

Miss America 1967 Victory and Responsibilities

Jane Anne Jayroe of Laverne, , who had been crowned 1966, competed in the pageant held September 9-10, 1966, in , and was selected as 1967 at age 19. Her selection marked the third Oklahoman to win the title, following in 1926. With no prior pageant experience, Jayroe's victory was unexpected even to herself, as she entered primarily for the opportunities to fund her education in speech and drama. In the talent competition, Jayroe performed by singing and conducting an orchestra, earning a preliminary talent for her musical demonstration. This performance highlighted her background in music and theater from her college years at Southwestern State College (now Southwestern Oklahoma State University). As winner, she received a $10,000 , a significant sum at the time equivalent to substantial tuition support for her studies. During her one-year reign from September 1966 to September 1967, Jayroe fulfilled the responsibilities of the title by embarking on an extensive national and international tour, making public appearances to advocate for , , and American values. She represented the in various civic and ceremonial events, including meetings with political figures such as Congressman , and used the platform to promote scholarship programs associated with the organization. Her tenure laid groundwork for future Miss Americas' engagement with military support initiatives, though specific tours are detailed separately.

USO Tour in Vietnam

Following her coronation as Miss America 1967 on September 9, 1966, Jane Jayroe prioritized supporting U.S. troops by forgoing a planned vacation and organizing a USO-style tour to South Vietnam, marking the first instance of a reigning Miss America visiting a combat zone. The tour commenced in August 1967 and lasted 17 days, during which she and her group performed musical shows and visited hospitals to boost morale among servicemen from the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force. Jayroe traveled with a contingent of other state pageant titleholders, including Miss Maine, Miss Wisconsin, Miss South Carolina, Miss Alabama, and Miss Tennessee, accompanied by a chaperone and an escort officer. Their itinerary covered U.S. bases across , as well as stops in Saigon, the , and aboard the USS Intrepid, where Jayroe emerged from a cake during a coinciding with the ship's 24th anniversary of commissioning. The group initially faced resistance from who booed their , prompting a switch to civilian attire to better connect with the troops. The tour exposed Jayroe to the war's harsh realities, including filthy conditions, , armed guards, and the loss of two that failed to return during their visit, which profoundly affected her. She encountered personal connections, such as her cousin Mike Smith and family friend Claude Roach serving in the region. Reflecting later, Jayroe described the experience as delivering smiles to young soldiers facing dire circumstances but evoking lasting tears for her due to their sacrifices, instilling lasting pride in American troops while permanently altering her worldview.

Broadcasting Career

Transition to Journalism

Following the conclusion of her Miss America reign in September 1967, Jayroe completed her in vocal music at and pursued a in at the , while seeking opportunities in media to leverage her public profile and communication skills honed during pageantry. Her initial foray into broadcasting occurred around 1969–1970, when she was hired by producer Lee Allan at KTVY (now , Channel 4) in for on-air work prior to her undergraduate graduation, though this role was brief and intermittent due to limited assignments. By the mid-1970s, facing financial pressures as a single mother, Jayroe transitioned fully into journalism after receiving an unsolicited audition call from KOCO-TV (Channel 5) in Oklahoma City, where she demonstrated proficiency with a teleprompter and secured a news anchor position that doubled her prior salary. This opportunity arose partly from her enduring name recognition from the Miss America pageant, combined with mentorship from figures like news director Tom Kirby and encouragement from colleague Mike Smith, aligning with her longstanding interest in storytelling and public speaking under pressure. At KOCO, she became the first female primetime news anchor in Oklahoma, marking a pivotal entry into professional broadcast journalism amid an era with few female role models in the field. Jayroe's early anchoring at KOCO involved in live reporting and news delivery, building on her pageant experience with high-stakes performances, and laid the foundation for a 16-year career in and Dallas-Fort Worth markets before shifting to roles.

Major Anchoring Roles

Jayroe began her professional anchoring career after completing her education and leveraging opportunities from her Miss America platform, transitioning into television journalism in the late . Her initial major role was at in , where she served as a news anchor, marking her entry into local broadcasting. This position allowed her to build experience in delivering news content, drawing on her skills honed during pageantry. In 1980, Jayroe moved to Dallas-Fort Worth, taking on the role of primary news anchor at , the affiliate, for four years until 1984. During this period, she anchored prime-time newscasts, contributing to the station's "" format alongside co-anchor Dave Layman. Her work in this larger market enhanced her reputation as a seasoned broadcaster before returning to . Returning to Oklahoma City in September 1984, Jayroe joined KTVY (now KFOR-TV) as a news anchor and reporter, co-anchoring with figures like Jerry Thompson and working alongside reporter Linda Cavanaugh. She remained in this role for approximately three years, focusing on evening newscasts and local reporting. In 1987, she shifted to KOCO-TV, anchoring the 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. news programs until her departure in May 1992. At KOCO, she earned journalism awards for her reporting, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in Oklahoma's media landscape. These roles spanned about 16 years total, emphasizing prime-time anchoring across competitive markets.

Awards and Industry Recognition

Jayroe earned several journalism awards during her time as a reporter and anchor at in , particularly for investigative work on and school funding challenges. While anchoring at KDFW-TV in the Dallas-Fort Worth market, she became the first woman designated as Outstanding News Personality, an honor that also carried the distinction of in local television . These recognitions highlighted her trailblazing role in a male-dominated field, though they remained primarily regional rather than national in scope.

Public Advocacy and Civic Work

Health and Disability Initiatives

In 1992, Jayroe Gamble became the first spokesperson for the Health Center and assumed the role of of the Presbyterian Health Foundation, positions through which she promoted health awareness and resource development in . These efforts included supporting foundational work for and programs, building on her prior broadcasting experience to amplify public engagement with health institutions. Jayroe Gamble has advocated for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing the transformative impact of employment and vocational training on their independence and dignity. She participated in key events at the Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing job skills and placement services for people with developmental disabilities, including speaking programs alongside state leaders to highlight successful integration into the workforce. Her involvement underscored the value of work opportunities in fostering self-reliance, as she noted in public statements that such initiatives change lives across all abilities by promoting meaningful participation in society. This commitment was recognized in her 2018 induction into the Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame, where her strong background in disability advocacy was cited as a core aspect of her public service.

Community and Philanthropic Efforts

Jayroe Gamble served as a of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation from 2004 to 2013, contributing to its mission of supporting community initiatives through grantmaking and endowments. She also held a trusteeship with the Sarkeys Foundation, a major philanthropic entity funding , , and programs in . Additionally, she joined the initial board of Leadership Oklahoma, an organization dedicated to fostering civic leadership and addressing state issues through nonpartisan . In 1995, Jayroe hosted the third annual Mother's Day Luncheon and Silent Auction to benefit Mother to Mother of Oklahoma County, a nonprofit aiding incarcerated mothers and their children with support services. Her involvement extended to community volunteering in following her broadcasting career, where she engaged in philanthropic activities to build local networks and support volunteer-driven efforts. Jayroe and her husband, Gerald Gamble, have donated to the , including contributions tied to endowments such as the Jane Jayroe Gamble Community Foundation , which supports initiatives for students. Beyond foundations, Jayroe has participated in broader civic through board service on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Centennial Commission, roles that promoted cultural preservation and state commemorative projects. These efforts reflect her commitment to -specific community enhancement, often leveraging her public profile for fundraising and awareness.

Faith-Based Leadership Programs

Jayroe Gamble founded the Esther Women luncheon series around 2004, a Christian program aimed at gathering women to explore themes of faith, courage, and purpose drawn from the in the Bible. Held monthly at St. Luke's in , the series features discussions, speakers, and fellowship tailored for women of faith, with Jayroe serving as the primary leader and facilitator. By 2020, the program had sustained operations for over 16 years, attracting participants seeking biblical inspiration amid cultural shifts. She also contributed to the founding of Leadership Training (SALLT) in 2008, a Christian organization dedicated to awakening individuals to God's purpose, equipping leaders across ages through annual training classes and events, and promoting city transformation via biblical principles. As one of the initial leaders convened by founder Wes Lane, Jayroe helped shape SALLT's mission, which underscores doctrines such as the , Christ's redemptive role, and guidance, while emphasizing values like , unity, and audacious faith in . The program has built a exceeding 700 members from diverse backgrounds, focusing on practical application of scriptural wisdom to leadership challenges. By 2024, Jayroe continued her involvement as a member of the SALLT Board of Trustees.

Government and Political Involvement

Service in the Keating Administration

In February 1999, Oklahoma Governor appointed Jane Jayroe as executive director of the Department of and , succeeding H. Cook who had held the position since 1995. Jayroe, a Democrat with prior experience in and civic leadership, was selected by the Republican governor to lead the state's tourism efforts. As part of her role, Jayroe also served as Keating's of and , overseeing initiatives to promote 's attractions and through visitor spending. Her appointment highlighted cross-party collaboration, drawing on her public profile as 1967 and her roots to advance state interests. Jayroe's tenure extended through the end of Keating's governorship in January 2003, after which she continued briefly in the role before submitting her resignation in April 2003. During this period, she managed departmental operations amid efforts to boost tourism recovery and promotion in the state.

Broader Political Engagements

Jayroe has been appointed to various state commissions and boards by multiple governors, reflecting her involvement in policy areas beyond tourism. Governor appointed her to the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women, Governor to the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission, and Governor to the Board of Regents for Community College. These roles spanned Democratic and Republican administrations, highlighting her cross-partisan appeal in civic leadership. In 1996, Jayroe was elected as the first woman to chair the Oklahoma Partnership for School and Community Action, a state goals board focused on educational and community improvement initiatives. She later received the organization's Kate Barnard Award in 2017 from the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women for her contributions to women's advancement. Governor appointed Jayroe to the Arts Council in 2012, where she contributed to development following confirmation. Affiliated with the Republican Party, Jayroe has emphasized 's economic and cultural promotion in her , often aligning with state Republican visions for and community vitality.

Literary and Creative Output

Authored Books and Publications

Jane Jayroe Gamble co-authored the autobiography More Grace than Glamour: My Life as Miss America and Beyond with Bob Burke, published in 2006 by Hillcrest Publications, which chronicles her journey from small-town roots to her tenure as Miss America 1967, subsequent broadcasting career, personal challenges including divorce and remarriage, and reflections on faith and resilience. She contributed to Oklahoma III, a collection of profiles on notable state figures co-authored with David Fitzgerald and published by Graphic Arts Books, highlighting prominent ns including her own biographical entry amid discussions of regional history and leadership. In 2011, Jayroe released Devote Forty Days, a devotional guide published by Publishing, designed to encourage readers to commit 40 days to spiritual practices emphasizing grace, personal growth, and biblical reflection through daily entries. Her 2018 book Practice: Unleashing the Power of Faith, published by the Heritage Association, compiles testimonies from ordinary and extraordinary ns illustrating faith's role in overcoming adversity, structured around personal stories to demonstrate practical applications of spiritual principles. Jayroe has also produced audio devotionals and contributed inspirational essays, though specific periodical articles beyond book-related promotions remain undocumented in primary sources.

Inspirational and Memoir Writing

Jane Jayroe Gamble's memoir More Grace than Glamour: My Life as Miss America and Beyond, co-authored with Bob Burke and published in 2006 by the Oklahoma Heritage Association, chronicles her experiences from winning the title in 1967 through her subsequent careers in , , and personal challenges including , motherhood, , and . The book emphasizes themes of resilience and faith over glamour, drawing on her life's transitions to illustrate personal growth amid public scrutiny and private hardships. In her inspirational writings, Jayroe has produced works centered on Christian and devotional practices. Devote Forty Days, released in 2011, serves as a guide for structured spiritual reflection, encouraging readers to engage in daily devotionals over a Lenten period to foster deeper commitments. Similarly, Practice: Unleashing the Power of , published in 2018, explores the role of consistent devotional habits in overcoming adversity, drawing from Jayroe's own experiences with health struggles and professional demands to advocate for as a practical tool for endurance. These texts position not as abstract but as actionable discipline, with Jayroe citing biblical principles alongside personal anecdotes to support claims of transformative spiritual routines. Jayroe has also contributed inspirational articles to magazines such as , including pieces titled "Out of the Blue" and "Delight Comes Into Your Life," which reflect on unexpected joys and life's serendipities through a lens of and providence. Her writings in compilations like further extend this motivational style, focusing on uplifting narratives derived from real-life triumphs over setbacks. These contributions underscore a consistent motif in her oeuvre: viewing personal trials as opportunities for inspirational testimony rather than defeat.

Personal Life and Legacy

Marriage and Family

Jayroe's first marriage was to a Tulsa attorney, with whom she had one son, Tyler Jayroe Petersen (born circa 1977); the union ended in , which she later described as emotionally and practically painful. She has reflected on rushing into subsequent relationships in an effort to heal and expand her family, though no additional children resulted from these efforts. In the early 1990s, Jayroe married Gerald Gamble, a real estate broker; the couple resides in . Tyler Jayroe, who graduated from , is married, resides in , and has provided Jayroe with two grandchildren. Gerald regards Tyler as his stepson.

Later Career and Recent Honors

Following her tenure in the Keating administration ending in 2003, Jayroe Gamble focused on authorship, , and community leadership initiatives rooted in her faith. She founded the "Esther Women" luncheon series, aimed at inspiring women through biblical principles, and assumed various roles at the of the Servant in , including in outreach programs. As the first woman to chair the Oklahoma Academy, a nonpartisan policy organization, she contributed to discussions on state issues such as and . Jayroe Gamble has continued to engage in motivational speaking and consulting, drawing on her experiences in broadcasting, pageantry, and . Residing in with her husband, she has emphasized personal resilience and spiritual growth in her post-political endeavors, often addressing audiences on leadership and women's roles in society. Among her recent honors, Jayroe Gamble was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2007, coinciding with the state's centennial year, recognizing her multifaceted contributions to as a former , broadcaster, and public servant. In 2018, she received induction into the Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame for her pioneering achievements, including being the first to visit a combat zone and her subsequent advancements in media and government. These accolades underscore her enduring impact beyond early career milestones.

Overall Impact and Viewpoints on Her Contributions

Jane Jayroe Gamble's contributions have profoundly shaped public service, media, and cultural promotion in , leveraging her platform as 1967 to pioneer military outreach and advance women's leadership in male-dominated fields. As the first Miss America to visit a combat zone in , she performed for U.S. troops alongside other contestants, eliciting an overwhelmingly positive response that established a lasting tradition of Miss America entertainers supporting abroad. Her 16-year broadcasting career, including prime-time anchoring at stations in and Dallas-Fort Worth, earned her distinction as the first female recipient of the "Outstanding News Personality" award in Dallas-Fort Worth and journalism accolades for in-depth education reporting. In government, she served as 's Cabinet Secretary of from 1995 to 1999 under Governor , directing the Department of Tourism and Recreation with a $58 million annual budget overseeing 51 state parks, five resorts, and 11 courses, thereby bolstering through heritage and recreational promotion. Gamble's literary output, including More Grace than Glamour: My Life as Miss America and Beyond (2006) and Devote 40 Days (2011), documents her personal resilience amid challenges like shyness, depression, and , framing success as rooted in faithfulness rather than superficial perfection. She founded the Women luncheon series to foster faith-based empowerment among women, complementing board roles at institutions like the Community Foundation and as the first woman to chair the Academy. These efforts culminated in her induction into the Hall of Fame in 2007—Oklahoma's highest civilian honor—and the Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame in 2018, recognizing her as a trailblazer who transformed pageant visibility into substantive civic influence. Viewpoints on Gamble's legacy emphasize her role as an inspirational figure who credited the scholarship for funding her and opening doors as a "first" woman in and state administration, enabling her to model and for subsequent generations. Oklahoma historians and inductors highlight her Vietnam initiative as a pivotal morale-boosting contribution during wartime, while her is assessed as instrumental in elevating 's profile through strategic promotion of its natural and cultural assets. In self-reflections, Gamble portrays her trajectory not as glamour-driven but as a sequence of faithful opportunities that amplified her rural roots into statewide impact, inspiring women to prioritize substance and service over acclaim. Critics of pageant culture have occasionally questioned its emphasis on appearance, but assessments of Gamble's post-title achievements uniformly affirm her substantive pivot to advocacy, initiatives, and as evidence of enduring, merit-based influence rather than ephemeral celebrity.

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  49. https://www.pageantplanet.com/profile/jane-jayroe
  50. https://www.oklahomahof.com/books/more-grace-than-glamour
  51. https://missoklahoma.org/about/history/miss-america-1967-jane-jayroe/
  52. https://www.geraldgambleco.com/broker-resumes/
  53. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2007/05/27/eight-are-selected-for-hall-of-fame/61775097007/
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