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in slacks and pin curls, the whole room Out of all national contestants, MJ placed participant in the Singers Club as well
stopped and stared, aghast at her faux 4th overall. Miss California –Lee Ann as in her church choir. Last year, MJ
pas. Looking back, MJ can’t help but cut Meriwether – took home the title. Asked was invited to be a judge in the Miss
her fellow contestant some slack – this if she wished she had won, MJ chuckles, Georgetown pageant, where she says she
was, after all, before hair dryers or hot saying, “Well of course! Every girl did. was truly impressed by the talent and
rollers. If you wanted to look your best, But they picked a good Miss America, enthusiasm of the contestants.
you had to plan ahead! and I had a fun time with my fifteen
minutes of fame.” “I’ve had a lot of luck in my life,” says
For all the planning and preparation, MJ, reflecting on her adventures. “I have
MJ says the event itself was something Though she had no desire to carry on a wonderful husband of 58 years, two
of a blur, adding, “I just saluted sportily with pageants, MJ was quite comfortable marvelous sons and good health.” She
and got out on time!” The live broadcast onstage and continued to sing and says she’s proud of her life, but that the
broke ratings records, with 27 million perform. After completing her degree fun is hardly over yet.
viewers tuning in for the pageant. Yet MJ in Theatre Arts, she became an active
does not remember being scared or even participant in community theatre and “Last night someone asked me, ‘MJ,
nervous: “I was thinking, ‘Gosh! This is enjoyed close relationships with her what would we be doing if we weren’t
happening!’ Yet I hadn’t pursued it, so it community, family and friends. In her 16 here together in Sun City?’ I said we
felt like something that was happening to years in Sun City Texas, she has directed wouldn’t be having near as much fun!”
me, mostly. It was a delightful surprise.” five plays and five Follies, and is an active
Even without a crown, MJ Hunter knows
how to live like royalty.
ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG FEBRUARY 2016 SUNRAYS | 37
