Dolphins Cheerleader Alum is new Mrs. United States

Robin Leach
Las Vegas Sun
August 5, 2011

So close! Vivacious Mrs. Nevada Deborah Ashton-Cooke was just one of the 54 contestants in the 25th Anniversary Mrs. United States Pageant at the Las Vegas Hilton this week. The glamorous Las Vegas model agency owner made it into the Top 20, and then into the Top 12 — and then all the way into the final three.

Standing center stage at the Hilton last night, it came down to Deborah, Mrs. Georgia Tiffany Love and Mrs. Florida Shannon Ford. The suspense and excitement was at fever pitch. Then after weeks of preparation, training and final rehearsals, all that remained was the final few seconds until the announcement of the winner.

The contestants had been judged on their personalities, charitable commitments, evening gowns and swimsuits, plus the judges’ interview and the dreaded final live question. Deborah placed second runner-up, Tiffany from Atlanta was first runner-up, and Miami’s Shannon Ford was crowned the 2011 Mrs. United States.

Photographer Tom Donoghue was there for an extraordinary finals night photo gallery as 2010 winner Rachel Juillerat turned over her crown and title to Shannon.

The human resources manager of a major wealth management company, Shannon also serves as a Miami Dolphins ambassador, one of a select group of former cheerleaders that represents the organization and advocates community service.

Two years ago, Shannon was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, an illness that requires her to maintain a gluten-free diet. Her husband Ray and she married after dating for 15 years and are avid runners, with Shannon completing half and full marathons in The Sunshine State.

Tiffany, who won the Mrs. Fitness title in the pageant, is a record-breaking track and field athlete in the 400m and 800m and was just 2 seconds shy from making the 2008 Olympic team. She is a licensed oncology behavioral therapist and is pursuing a doctorate in psychology. Tiffany is an ambassador of Speedway Children’s Charities, which works from our Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Deborah is the official spokeswoman for Fuel the Cure for Diabetes, an awareness and fundraising arm for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and is an active volunteer for local youth programs including Make-a-Wish, Toys for Tots, Children’s Miracle Network, Eye Care for Kids, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and City of Hope.

The ladies return in a year’s time for the 26th annual pageant when Shannon will crown the next winner. Vegas DeLuxe’s coverage of the Mrs. United States Pageant this week included the swimsuit photo shoot and the preliminaries — with state costumes, swimsuit and evening gowns — both at the Hilton.