Neva Jane Langley

Neva Jane Langley Fickling (January 25, 1933 – November 18, 2012) was an American beauty pageant queen.

Neva Jane Langley
Born
Neva Jane Langley

(1933-01-25)January 25, 1933
Lakeland, Florida
DiedNovember 18, 2012(2012-11-18) (aged 79)
Macon, Georgia
NationalityAmerican
EducationWesleyan College
OccupationTelevision celebrity
TitleMiss America 1953
PredecessorColleen Kay Hutchins
SuccessorEvelyn Ay
Spouse(s)
William A. Fickling Jr.
(
m. 1955)
Children4

Biography

Langley was born in Lakeland, Florida. As a college sophomore she transferred to Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia, where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. While attending that college she became Miss Macon, Miss Georgia, and then Miss America 1953.[1]

Ms. Langley's first television appearance as Miss America was on What's My Line (September 14, 1952) as the mystery guest. She rode the grand prize most-beautiful float by a commercial firm, called "America The Beautiful", in the January 1, 1953 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.[2] During her reign as Miss America, she was hospitalized for one week with pneumonia.[3] She was also known for being the only Miss Georgia to win the Miss America pageant until Betty Cantrell was crowned Miss America 2016, sixty-three years later.

Exhibitions

Langley has been featured in museum exhibitions, including a display at the Kimball Art Center (2009)[4] of eleven original gowns worn in beauty pageant competitions and during her reign as Miss America, and the exhibition "Georgia's Miss Americas" at the Museum of Arts and Sciences (Sept. 23, 2017–Jan. 14, 2018)[5].

Personal life

Langley married insurance executive, William A. Fickling Jr., in 1955 and was the mother of four children (William, Jane, Julia and Roy).[3][6]

On November 18, 2012, Langley died of cancer at the age of 79.[7]

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References
  1. Associated Press (1952-09-25). "Home Town Gives Miss America Noisy Welcome". Sarasota Herald. p. 7.
  2. Associated Press (1953-01-03). ""Miss America" Rides In Rose Parade". Sarasota Herald Tribune. p. 1.
  3. Tauber, Michelle; Neill, Mike; Russell, Lisa; Fowler, Joanne; Dam, Julie; Tresniowski, Alex; Miller, Samantha; Dougherty, Steve; Yu, Ting (October 16, 2000). "American Beauties: 80 Years". People.
  4. News, Deseret (2009-08-16). "Dresses tell story of Miss America 1953". Deseret News. Retrieved 2020-03-07.
  5. "Georgia's Miss Americas | Museum of Arts and Sciences". Retrieved 2020-03-07.
  6. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/macon-ga/neva-jane-fickling-5310583
  7. "Georgia's Only "Miss America" Neva Fickling Passes Away Sunday". 41 NBC. Archived from the original on 2013-01-16. Retrieved 2012-11-19.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by
Colleen Kay Hutchins		 Miss America
1953		 Succeeded by
Evelyn Ay
Preceded by
Carol Taylor		 Miss Georgia
1952		 Succeeded by
Lucia Hutchinson
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