Things to Do
Things to Do

The story of the first Miss Georgia who won Miss America, 62 years ago

ajc.com

Credit: Contributed by the Miss America Organization

Credit: Contributed by the Miss America Organization

By Adam Carlson
Sept 14, 2015

On Sunday, 21-year-old Miss Georgia Betty Cantrell was named Miss America — the first winner from the state in 62 years.

There has been only one other Miss Georgia who went on to be crowned Miss America: Her name was Neva Fickling (then Neva Langley).

Fickling was born on Jan. 25, 1933, in Lakeland, Fla., and was attending Macon's Wesleyan College in 1952 when she won Miss Macon and Miss Georgia to reach the Miss America Pageant in 1953. (According to the Miss America website, Fickling was voted "most popular" each year in high school.)

"Neva Jane Langley will always be remembered for her hard work and the difference she made during her year of service as she traveled around the country," Art McMaster, then-president and CEO of Miss America, told the Ledger in Lakeland, upon her death.

One friend told the paper, "She had a wonderful life, there's no doubt about it."

About the Author

Adam Carlson
More Stories

Keep Reading

Foo Fighters closed out Shaky Knees 2024 at Central Park with extended versions of their biggest hits. The indie rock festival has moved to Piedmont Park for this weekend's event. (Ryan Fleisher for the AJC)

Credit: Ryan Fleisher

Beyond the headliners, here are 11 acts not to miss at Shaky Knees

Moving to Piedmont Park, annual indie rock festival Shaky Knees will resonate across four stages this weekend.

15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend

From the King Center’s international expo and Gwinnett County Fair to Pup-A-Palooza in Johns Creek, here are 15 family-friendly doings in metro Atlanta for Sept. 12-14.

The Latest

Foo Fighters closed out Shaky Knees 2024 at Central Park with extended versions of their biggest hits. The indie rock festival has moved to Piedmont Park for this weekend's event. (Ryan Fleisher for the AJC)

Credit: Ryan Fleisher

Beyond the headliners, here are 11 acts not to miss at Shaky Knees

Where can I find it?

15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend

Featured

In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com

A Braves fan took a ball to the face. The team may be liable, judges say.

The Atlanta Braves and former right fielder Jorge Soler face a lawsuit by a fan hit in the eye with a ball during a World Series game at Truist Park in 2021.

Joro spiders multiply across Georgia, spinning their pesky webs

The invasive species has multiplied rapidly in Atlanta in the last three years, research shows.

Ford settles billion-dollar Georgia lawsuits over fatal wrecks

Ford Motor Co. has settled two Georgia lawsuits that elicited record-setting jury verdicts of $1.7 billion and $2.5 billion, ending more than a decade of litigation.