Kylene Barker

Kylene Barker (born 11 November 1955[1]) is an American pageant winner from Galax, Virginia who was Miss Virginia 1978 and Miss America 1979.[2][3]

D. Kylene Barker
Born (1955-11-11) 11 November 1955
Galax, Virginia
NationalityAmerican
Alma materVirginia Tech
Occupation(s)Clothing and Textiles
TitleMiss Pulaski County 1978
Miss Virginia 1978
Miss America 1979
PredecessorSusan Perkins
SuccessorCheryl Prewitt
Spouses
James Brandon
​
​
(m. 1979, divorced)​
    Ralph Hibbard
    ​
    ​
    (m. 1992; died 2002)​
      Ian McNeill
      ​
      ​
      (m. 2007)​

      Early life

      Barker was born in Galax, Virginia to father Kyle and mother Dolores (deceased 2006).[2] She attended Oakland Elementary School, Woodlawn Intermediate School,[4] Carroll County High School[2] and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University[2] where she earned a degree in clothing and textiles in 1978.[2]

      Pageants

      Barker won the Miss Pulaski County pageant, the Miss Virginia pageant in July 1978, and the Miss America 1979 pageant on 9 September 1978.[2][5] Her talent performance at the Miss America pageant was gymnastics.[6] In 1986 the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that Barker received pageant earnings of approximately $100,000.[7]

      According to People.com she was also "Most Valuable Cheerleader 1974".[8]

      Career

      During her year of service as Miss America, Barker signed a lease on a shop at 309 Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Florida, and opened a dress shop called "D. Kylene" (the "D" stood for Danice).[7][8] The business (which she operated for thirteen years[3]) closed in 1992.[5]

      In 1983, Gemcon Inc. published an audio book produced by Barker called Stamina with Style.[3] On 1 October 1984, Simon & Schuster published a book (Southern Beauty: A Total Fitness and Beauty Program for That Winning, All-American Look) that Barker co-wrote with Sherry Suib Cohen.[3]

      Barker has acted as spokesperson for several corporations including: "Clairol, the Manmade Fiber Producer's Association, The Palm Aire Spa, the Made in the USA Council",[3] and the US Sugar Association.[7] She also produced fashion shows for "the American Yarn Spinners Association, the America Textile Manufacturers Association and companies associated with the Crafted with Pride Council".[3]

      Barker's television appearances included reports for NBC's Today Show, CNN's Crossfire, and Live with Regis and Kathie Lee.[3] In 1979, she appeared on the Donny and Marie television show (episode #4.3) as herself in the role of Miss America.

      Kylene was appointed to the Virginia Tech Alumni Association Board of Directors.[3]

      Personal life

      In March 1979, Barker became engaged to James Brandon (a Roanoke businessman).[9] They met in Nassau while he was working on a book titled "Simply Beautiful", and they later married.[9] On 28 August 1986 James Brandon was arrested on charges of "conspiracy, mail and bankruptcy fraud and interstate transportation of stolen property".[7] Barker and Brandon appeared together in court over the affair, and co-signed a $75,000 personal surety bond which ensured Brandon's release from custody.[7]

      In the 1990s, Barker moved to Canada with her second husband Ralph Hibbard. He died of cancer in 2002.[2]

      In 2007, Barker married Canadian businessman Ian McNeill.[3] They reside in both Muskoka, Ontario[2] and Naples, Florida.[3]

      References
      1. "Miss America says the money secondary to chances for travel". Deseret News. 10 November 1978. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
      2. Ralph Berrier Jr. (28 June 2008). "Catching up a former Miss Virginia and Miss America". Roanoke.com. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
      3. "1979". missamerica.org. Archived from the original on 2 May 2012. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
      4. Raider 1979 (Woodlawn school yearbook) p. 25.
      5. Christian Moody. "Memory Makers. Where are they now?". vtmagazine.vt.edu. Archived from the original on 8 February 2012. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
      6. "Miss America 1979". PBS. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
      7. JAMES H. TOLPIN (29 August 1986). "Ex-beauty Queen`s Husband Surrenders To Fbi Agents". sun-sentinel.com. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
      8. Kristin McMurran (26 March 1979). "There She Goes, Bert Parks Serenades—but Off to Dedicate Parking Lots?". People.com. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
      9. "Barker-Brandon Announce Engagement at Local Party". Palm Beach Daily News. 13 March 1979. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
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