Carolyn Corlew competed with 33 other women in the pageant Thursday, which featured talent and evening gown events.
The 61-year-old sang the Etta James song "Tell Mama."
The Mount Juliet, Tenn., resident is married and has three daughters and five grandchildren.
Corlew tells The Press of Atlantic City she's thrilled and overwhelmed.
Vanessa Shaw of North Hudson, N.J., was first runner-up.