Who was the first woman named to the Oklahoma Supreme Court? What to know about Alma Wilson

There have been many "firsts" for women in Oklahoma, but as such, the women who follow these "first women" have much to be thankful for as they sometimes continue on not-so-worn paths.

Justice Yvonne Kauger, Justice Noma Gurich, Justice Dana Kuehn — all current justices on the Oklahoma Supreme Court ― can look toward one particular woman who established a presence on the state's highest court more than 40 years ago.

On Feb. 17, 1982, Alma Bell Wilson made Oklahoma history, becoming the first woman justice on the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

With Wilson's appointment, Oklahoma became the 18th state to seat a woman on a state's highest court, according to a report published in The Daily Oklahoman the next day.

The story quoted then-Gov. George Nigh, who said the event was "historic" because "we've reached the time when women should not be deprived appointment" to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

What might not be remembered is that two women were among the three nominees for the Oklahoma Supreme Court justice post, as reported Feb. 6, 1982, by staff writer Mike Hammer.

Among the nominees were Grady County Associate District Judge Oteka Alford, of Chickasha; McClain County District Judge Joe Shumate, of Pauls Valley; and Cleveland County District Judge Alma Wilson, of Norman.

On Feb. 9, 1982, Hammer reported that Gov. Nigh had selected Wilson to succeed the late Justice Ben T. Williams.

Wilson was quoted as saying, "I will serve with high motivation and hopefully provide an added dimension to the court."

Wilson also became the first woman chief justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court in 1995.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Supreme Court history: Alma Wilson was first female justice