Ms. Senior America Oklahoma Crowned

With six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, people might think Ladell Maxwell Brown would be enjoying a leisurely retirement—they’d be wrong. The energetic Ada woman continues to work at the real estate company she founded 40 years ago and has done volunteer work for numerous civic organizations ranging from the Ada Arts and Humanities Council to the Salvation Army.

Now Brown can add the title of beauty queen to her lengthy resume. At a ceremony at the State Capitol on Monday, she was crowned Ms. Senior America Oklahoma by Sen. Susan Paddack and Lt. Gov. Jari Askins. Brown said it was an honor to participate in a program that helps show seniors in a positive light.

“The Ms. Senior America Pageant philosophy is based on the belief that seniors are the foundation of America. It was built on their knowledge, experience and resources, and because of that, younger generations have the opportunity to build a better society,” Brown said.

Paddack said she was honored to be part of the ceremony for Brown who has lived in Paddack’s hometown of Ada for about 50 years.

“Ladell truly is an inspiration for all of Ada. She’s given so much of herself to our community, helping promote everything from the arts to economic development,” said Paddack, D-Ada. “I know she will represent Oklahoma beautifully at the Ms. Senior America Pageant this fall.”

Brown, age 76, began college in her late 40’s and earned her degree at the age of 58. She’s also served as Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, organized and served as President of Soroptimist International. Brown said raising her four children to be God-loving, responsible citizens, is the accomplishment of which she’s most proud.

Askins said she was delighted to help bestow this latest honor on Brown who has served as a Silver Haired Legislator and is a recipient of the Realtor Emeritus designation, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a Realtor.

“Ladell epitomizes the qualities you’d want in a role model for any age. She’s talented, intelligent and accomplished and has continually served others in her community and her state,” Askins said.

In addition to her work as a Realtor and volunteer projects, Brown said she also enjoys traveling through the U.S.A. and Europe, as well as reading and ballroom dancing.

For the national competition, contestants are required to wear a business suit for an interview, a floor length gown for modeling, state her philosophy of life and perform a talent. Brown said she would perform a Hawaiian Hula dance for the talent portion of the competition which will be held in October in Atlantic City, New Jersey.