that she was in a state of shock when the Oklahoma Bar Association, said the governor called her to inform her of that Wilson was like Themis, the Greek his decision, unable to recall anything goddess of justice, wisdom, and good he said but determined the call was not counsel, who is depicted blindfolded and a rejection. Teresa C. Pitts of the Dallas holding a balance of scales, but despite Morning News reported that at the age this, “the law profession for too long of 64, Wilson was embarking on a new has been the domain of men. It is only career at a time when most people would fitting that women take their place on the be thinking about retirement. Wilson benches of this country. It is a great honor expressed her disdain for retirement, that Wilson will be sitting on the highest preferring to work 10-hour days and bench in this state.” playing tennis regularly every Monday The swearing in ceremony was held on night. She said to Pitts in the interview, “I February 18, 1982. Wilson dedicated her tell people the reason I chose a career is new position to the pursuit of excellence, because I hate housework. I really am a stating that she prayed to follow the law terrible housekeeper. I’m a daughter and to wherever it would take her, and to Alma Bell Wilson and longtime friend and community volunteer Louise Painter. Courtesy Oklahoma Hall of Fame Archives. maintaining a strong judicial system, but lamented on how little everyday citizens understood about the system. A month after assuming her position as an Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice, Wilson spoke at a seminar titled “Opportunities Unlimited” in Edmond with District Judge Arthur Lory Rakestraw and Associate Municipal Judge Terry Pendell. They each spoke about the hard work and dedication required for women to have successful careers in what was once considered a male-only profession. Wilson expressed that her Supreme Court Appointment was Invested in the community, Alma Bell Wilson enjoyed speaking to the next generation of an appointment of all Oklahoma women, Oklahomans. Courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society. stating, “What we as women contribute a mother and a wife and a woman—and have the courage to press for change most to this world is our dedication to I think all of those are very valuable assets when necessary for preserving the law. whatever we do. This is where we excel.” and qualities. But essentially, I’m a judge.” When asked whether her gender would Wilson was one of several speakers Upon being questioned on whether she give her a different judicial perspective featured at Women’s Day at the thought she was appointed as a “token” she responded, “I think men and women Oklahoma State Capitol in 1983. At this woman for the bench, Wilson replied, judges just try to be right. That’s what I’m event, Wilson spoke about how there “We don’t have room [in the judicial going to try to do.” Wilson wasted no should be more women represented in system] for a ‘token’ anything. And, time making in-roads with Oklahoma law, judicial roles, the legislature, and in frankly, I think I was appointed in spite of citizens. She aimed to make the judicial public offices. “Women need to be there the fact I was a woman instead of it.” system more approachable, more to help define the laws which belong Nigh would later state that he did accessible, and better understood to all of us,” she said. She passionately not make the appointment for historical among the general public. To accomplish believed that a woman’s view is reasons. He recognized the historical this, she eagerly accepted invitations beneficial when it comes to family issues significance, but declared that Wilson to speak at seminars and events, and and family law, recognizing that she was had all the qualifications and she was not noted that the Oklahoma Supreme Court the first mother, the first daughter, and to be considered a surprise appointment. Justices previously had not been very the first wife to have her views on legal “I just tried to be fair,” said Nigh to involved with the community beyond the issues represented in the state’s highest reporters. Jack Boyd, then president of bench. She praised her colleagues for court. She concluded her speech to the 37 35