Virginia May Mulrooney. Beyond Beauty. Mrs. Tennessee 2017

Photo Courtesy by Steven Paul Whitsitt Photography

Winning Mrs. Tennessee America 2017 is not your first time round in pageant competition. When did you first compete and why?

After a long battle with brain lupus where I was bedridden for four years, unable to walk without the use of an electric wheelchair and cane, and lost most of my muscle and hair, I was determined to reclaim my life, health, and vitality. I chose to run in the Mrs. America system to do so. My husband's work brought our family back to Atlanta for two years, so I competed for Mrs. Georgia America in 2015. It was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. I truly believe this sole decision saved my life.

What was it about the Mrs. America program that attracted you to compete? As the longest standing Mrs. pageant in history, I was drawn to the Mrs. America program because of their elegance, professionalism, sophistication, class, and history. The women that compete in this system inspired and encouraged me like no other. I am so proud and honored to be a representative in the Mrs. America organization.

You have struggled with lupus and also with Sjogren. What do you think the advantages are in living with chronic deseases? I was diagnosed with systemic lupus at the age of thirty-six shortly after the birth of our seventh child. The advantages of living with a chronic illness are numerous. Increase patience in and empathy,  unyielding determination and drive, a passion and an appreciation for the preciousness of life to just name a few. But most importantly, a unique ability to relate with others that are facing life's challenges, whether big or small, and the honor of being used to encourage them and offer them hope.

 

Resilience, tenacity and determination are some of the characteristics in winning the crown.  How do you stay focus while influencing others? I stay focused while influencing others by asking God for balance, wisdom, and guidance each day and by being extremely organized, disciplined with my schedule and my surroundings. By doing this, I allow time to reach out to others in my community while at the same time pursuing my own dreams. I also strongly believe that it is of great importance to be a good example to my children of loving, serving, and caring for others in need. Children are most happy when they are focused on giving and not always on receiving.
 

What is your message when you win to the married women in America? My message to all those facing life's challenges, struggles, and trials is to stay strong and never lose hope. I know what it feels like to be in a very deep dark valley. With the love of God, family, friends, and community one can find the support, strength, and power to follow their dreams despite their challenges.

Life is worth living and each one of us was created with a very unique purpose and plan. I believe that people are precious and beautiful and all have important roles to play in our world regardless of perceived limitations. Perceived limitations are really just powerful tools in disguise, so use them, embrace them, and change yourself and the world with them. 

You have been married for 27 years to your college sweetheart and together, you’ve given birth to seven children and you have chosen to home school them.How do you balance a strong marriage, having 7 children and dealing with chronic illnesses? Because of my deep love for God, my husband, and children, my family is always my first priority in life. This reality keeps me focused on what matters most. However, by taking care of myself spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally, I am better able to balance my marriage, my role as mom to seven, and my chronic illness. I would like to add, a chronic illness can be a powerful tool in changing one and the world around them for the better. I have chosen to embrace this tool and be empowered by it, not victimized by it.

What are the greatest challenges facing today’s contemporary women? We women are so blessed in today's society with so many opportunities both professionally and personally. It is a very exciting time for us. I do believe, however, the greatest challenges are prioritizing what's most important and having wisdom enough to achieve balance and harmony in one's life.  I think a pattern of consistent reflection, through prayer and meditation, bring clarity and simplicity to one's life and is crucial to maintaining balance.

Winning the Mrs. Tennessee America 2017 pageant.

What’s next for you? I am preparing to compete for the upcoming Mrs. America pageant this coming August in Las Vegas and also getting more involved with empowerment speaking engagements throughout the community.