I was born in a small community near Paris, Texas, to parents with six children … all girls. My family moved to Lubbock, Texas when I was six years of age. Elementary and high school years were spent at Slaton, just south of Lubbock.
My first experience with Chiropractic came as a result of physical problems following the birth of my first child. A long time family friend insisted that I consult a D.C. in order to avoid surgery. Needless to say, the results were successful, and created my desire to study this great science.
I attended Texas Chiropractic College, in San Antonio, and San Antonio College at the same time, receiving my D.C. degree in 1945. About this time, I met and married an old school mate who had been discharged from the U.S. Navy after World War II. He had a positive experience with Chiropractic care and decided to attend T.C.C. under the G. I. Bill, graduating in 1949. Together we set up practice of Chiropractic in Amarillo, and have enjoyed a successful practice ever since.
Immediately upon receiving my D.C. license, I became a member of T.C.A. and continued an uninterrupted membership ever since. Through the years, I have served on many T.C.A. committees, and as chairperson of a number of them.
After serving in all offices of my district, my fellow members selected me to represent District #2 as the State Director. This position I held for four years. At this point in time, my friends decided to nominate me as candidate for the office of State Secretary. I was defeated the first time I ran, but elected the next June, 1970. This was a “first”, as no female had ever attained this position in T.C.A. The following year I was promoted to the office of President-elect, and in June of 1972, I became the first lady doctor to serve as T.C.A. President.
In June, 1982, at the T.C.A. State Convention in Houston, I received the high honor as “Chiropractor of the Year” and was presented with the coveted Keeler Plaque.
The following is a list of activities I have been involved in:
Graduate – Texas Chiropractic College
Attended San Antonio College
Continuing Education – Amarillo College
Post Graduate – Texas Chiropractic Assoc. Diagnostic Roentgenology Seminars
Practiced in Amarillo since 1950 with husband, Dr. Sam McMennamy
Three children: Mike of Amarillo, C.P.A.
Kay Thomas, Homer, Amarillo; Lynn Burchett, Dancing teacher, Nashville, Tenn; three grand children.
TEXAS CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATION
State President (first woman to hold this office)
President Elect
State Secretary
Served all offices of District #2
State Director four years
Served as Chairman of Legislative Committee 2 years
Served as Chairman of Membership Committee 3 years
T.C.A. Gavel Club
C-PAC Board of Directors 7 years
Served as Department Head 2 years
Numerous Committees –T.C.A.
Have attended all over-seas seminars sponsored by T.C.A.
AMERICAN CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATION
Charter Member – American Chiropractic Assoc.
Honorary Fellowship – International College of Chiropractors
Presently Secretary of Council for Women Chiropractors.
TEXAS CHIROPRACTIC COLLEGE
Alumni Association
Member of Board of Regents
Honorary, Civic and Community Involvement:
One of twenty “outstanding Women in Chiropractic “ 1972
Potter-Randall Counties Democratic Women’s Club Past Pres.
DAV Auxiliary Past District Co-mmander
“Who’s Who in Chiropractic” 1979-1980
Daughters of the Nile – Officer
Appointed by Governor Honorary Admiral of Texas Navy 1974
Member of Church of Christ
Active in Civic and Community affairs of Amarillo
Delegate to State Democratic Convention (several times)
Women’s Political Caucus
Hobbies:
Traveling to new places
Spectator sports
Crossword puzzles
