In a ceremony to honor one of Montgomery County’s greatest treasures this past Saturday. The Heritage Museum of Montgomery County and the Mary Vaughn Corner Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in Montgomery, combined to celebrate Mary McCoy, for her lifetime achievement of being on the radio in Conroe and Montgomery County for 75 years. McCoy started on KMCO in Conroe, at first singing in 1951, then she began playing records, and it all snowballed from there. Crystal Wood, the historian for the Mary Corner Vaughn NSDAR chapter discovered that Mary had not been recognized for the DARs ‘Women in American History’ award and started the process which culminated with the award of a medal on April 18th. Dr. Suann Hereford, the Executive Director of the Heritage Museum graciously hosted the event.
A display case noting the highlights of McCoy’s career is available for viewing, including a colorized photo of Mary and Elvis Presley at one of The King of Rock and Roll stops in Conroe in 1955. McCoy is the official Guinness World Record holder for the longest career as a female radio presenter; 70+ years entertaining radio audiences. And she has recorded different genres of music including country, blues, and gospel.
Mary’s good friend and biographer Robin Montgomery read a poem in her honor, ‘Mary McCoy: The Greatest.’ Following the festivities, guests and admirers were treated to cake and punch, while Mary signed copies of her book, and other mementos brought by visitors.