Wilma Fulgham: Always 'go, go, go'

She was a good Christian woman. A symbol of character for the community. A role model for women everywhere. That's how friends and family described Wilma Fulgham, who died Tuesday morning.

"She was a great mother. She always stayed active and supported her family. Ever since I've known her, she was always involved with the community. She was a hard worker," Fulgham's son, Jerry Fulgham said.

Wilma Fulgham, 92, died Tuesday morning at Clovis' Plains Regional Medical Center. Jerry said she died peacefully in her sleep.

Fulgham grew up on a ranch in Melrose during the 1930s. She spent nearly all of her young life milking cows and raising chickens.

But most of eastern New Mexico knew her as the first New Mexico State Fair Queen in 1950.

Her entire life was devoted to living and promoting the Western lifestyle.

In 2008, Fulgham was elected to the Miss America Rodeo Hall of Fame. Jerry said her accomplishments are nearly endless, and there is no one who could replace his mother.

She was a director of the High Plains Historical Foundation, which is devoted to preserving the history of the Clovis area, and she worked in getting a museum most of her life. Leigh Willmon said that dream may actually become a reality thanks to Fulgham's efforts.

For 64 years, Fulgham dedicated much of her time to being a mentor for young ladies who exemplified the Western way of life. Willmon said Fulgham trained hundreds of girls for the Miss Rodeo New Mexico pageant. She said Fulgham not only taught the girls character within the arena but within their everyday lives.

For Kyla Myers, who was under Fulgham's wing for 20 years as part of MRNM, losing Fulgham was like losing a big piece of the community. Myers had known her since she was 7, and though Fulgham's training could be harsh Myers said she wouldn't be the woman she is today without her.

"She didn't coddle people. When she saw potential in someone, she knew how to bring the best out of you. She knew how to motivate you like no other person," Myers said.

Myers said she always admired Fulgham's determination and fearlessness. Myers' mother, Lexi Myers, said there wasn't anyone in the rodeo scene who hadn't heard the name of Wilma Fulgham.

"She was a huge name in the community. A Curry County staple and Christian leader," Lexi Myers said.

Willmon said Fulgham never knew how to stay still. She had to always be preoccupied with something to better the community.

"I think I am in awe of her and all of her energy. I respect everything she did for her family and all of us within the community," Willmon said.

According to Fulgham's obituary compiled by the family, she played a vital role in nine different organizations that were built to support and advocate. Jerry said his mother would often say it was better to wear out and not to rush out.

"She was always go, go, go. I have never seen her relax. She was just always involved in something nearly every day," Jerry said.