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.
