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OKLAHOMA CITY – It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of a pioneer of Oklahoma City television.
Pam Henry died Tuesday in a hospital in Oklahoma City, surrounded by family members.
During his life, Henry has broken through the barriers of illness and stigma to accomplish many firsts.
"I think my life has been great, but I do not think I'm tall," Henry told KFOR in 2015.
When she was a toddler, Henry contracted polio before the Salk vaccine was widely available. At just 8 years old, Henry became the last child of the national campaign poster against polio March of Dimes.
Pam Henry was a poster for March of Dimes
"I did not think I was different, I only had braces and crutches and the other kids did not do it," she said.
Following several television interviews, Henry decided to become a journalist from his childhood.
Even though there were no women journalists on local television, she continued her journalism studies at the University of Oklahoma.
In 1972, WKY News Director Ernie Schultz hired Henry as the first female TV journalist in Oklahoma City.
Pam Henry became the first woman journalist in Oklahoma City at WKY.
"I can not think of any time when I was intimidated, I just went there in the hope," said Henry when she entered Channel 4.
In the end, she continued to work in Washington, DC and even became a news director at OETA.
She is a member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame and has spent much of her time advocating for people with disabilities.
Family friends told KFOR that Henry died of an emergency surgery Tuesday morning.
"Our dear friends, Pam, died early this morning, saying that her death leaves a huge void in all our lives is an understatement, yet our lives have been enriched by knowing her, her family will make plans for a memorial, and when these details are finalized, I will post them here. "To all those who prayed, wrote and shared your concern and love for Pam, I know that her family and friends are grateful to her, a statement.
The mayor of Oklahoma City, David Holt, shared a photo and congratulated Pam for his work and advocacy for OKC.
OETA will be releasing Don Sherry's documentary about Pam Henry, "The Last Child Poster – Pam Henry's Life" on Thursday, September 27th at 7pm.
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