Lynda Lee Mead

Lynda Lee Mead, also known as Lynda Lee Shea, is an American businesswoman, former model, and beauty pageant titleholder who gained national prominence after being crowned Miss America 1960. Born on April 17, 1939, in Natchez, Mississippi, she completed her early education at Natchez High School before attending the University of Mississippi. While studying at the university, she was an active member of the Chi Omega sorority.

In 1959, Mead won the Miss Mississippi title, granting her the opportunity to represent her home state at the national Miss America pageant held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in September 1959. Her victory at the national competition marked a historic moment in pageant history, as she succeeded Mary Ann Mobley, who was also a Miss Mississippi winner and Mead's sorority sister at the University of Mississippi. This achieved back-to-back victories for the state of Mississippi. During the national pageant's talent portion, Mead presented a dramatic monologue.

Following her year-long national duties as Miss America, Mead returned to private life and pursued opportunities in business and design. In 1964, she married physician Dr. John J. Shea Jr. Over the subsequent decades, she established a career as a business executive and interior decorator, owning and leading commercial ventures such as French Country Imports and Shea-Moore Design.

In her later years, Mead has remained involved with charitable initiatives, community organizations, and educational events associated with her alma mater. She has periodically participated in anniversary programs celebrating the legacy of the Miss America pageant and her historical win.