Georgia’s Only “Miss America” Neva Fickling Passes Away Sunday

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Longtime Macon resident and Georgia’s only crowned Miss America, Neva Jane Langley Fickling, passed away at her home Sunday.

Her obituary says Neva was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida and moved to Macon as a sophomore in college to study piano at the Wesleyan Conservatory. It was her gift of music that landed her the titles of Miss Macon, Miss Georgia, and then Miss America all in a year’s time.

After touring as Miss America in 1953, Fickling returned to Macon to finish her degree. In her senior year of college, she married William A. Fickling Jr. The two raised their four children here in Macon.

Neva was an active member of the community, and supporter of the music programs at both Wesleyan College and Mercer University.

Her obituary reads, “Neva will be missed in many ways by many people as she was committed to her family, church, music, and civic activities, and to her home and garden. She was a nurturing wife, mother and grandmother – “Honey” to her nine grandchildren.”

A visitation will be held on Monday, November 19th from 5-7pm at her home, 6300 Rivoli Drive. On Tuesday, November 20th there will be a service in celebration of Neva’s life. The service will begin at 2pm at Mulberry Street United Methodist Church.