Anne Hedden Langley

Anne Sharon Hedden Langley passed away peacefully in Naples, Florida on April 18, 2024, at the age of 82. Anne's zest for life endured until the end, thanks to the presence of her family, friends, and devoted caregivers.

Anne, born on January 28, 1942, in Cincinnati, OH, was the daughter of Jacob, "Jake" Hedden and Willia Goebel Foley Hedden. Her grandfather was the owner of the Mt Sterling Advocate newspaper in Mt Sterling, Kentucky from 1892 and Jake joined him in the business in 1919. It remained with him until the 1960s. Naples, partly developed by Louisville, Kentucky newspaperman, Walter Haldeman, no doubt had an influence on Jake and Goebel becoming trailblazers in the early residential development of Naples. With streets of crushed seashell and only about 20 years after Naples was incorporated, their purchase of a tract of land within eyesight of the "Old Pier", set the stage for a unique lifestyle for a little girl and her lifelong love for the "Gulf". While most of her years were spent in Naples, she cherished the summers in Mt Sterling and her school years in Naples. 

An extremely accomplished athlete, Anne excelled at most sports she attempted, and particularly had a passion for gymnastics and tennis. In 1959 she held the US Gymnastic Junior Championship title on the uneven bars. Later that year she, and two other US gymnasts were invited to Havana, Cuba to work with the Cuban Pan-American gymnastic entry. While training for the Olympics, Anne sustained an irreparable knee injury that kept her from participating. Anne graduated from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA and later acquired her school counseling credentials.

Anne's tennis championships as a player were only overshadowed by the championships of the many, many students and adults she coached in the sport. Anne taught and served as guidance counselor for many years in Naples. She was known by her students as "Langley" and described as not just a guidance counselor and coach, but more. Anne had an open heart and a helping hand as one of her students described her, "We all knew we could go to Langley without judgement". As a tennis coach she expected a player's best effort and winning would be a bonus. Many former students were a part of Anne's life as friends.

Anne's business acumen allowed her to become successful in commercial and residential real estate investing in the Naples area. Anne loved Naples and played a significant role in having the first Naples library building placed on the Historic Registry and further demonstrated that love by conducting historical tours of the town. Anne also worked hard to keep the famous Naples Pier free to the public. Anne knew families in the surrounding communities fished on the pier for their livelihood.

Anne's life brightened when she met Dr. James William Little, the love of her life. They shared a love for sports and enjoyed traveling together. Playing tennis, golf, fishing in Naples' tranquil waters and hosting gatherings for family and friends were their major pastimes. Jim and Anne could often be seen at the City Pier where they stored their boat.

A special and unique person, if Anne liked you, she loved you, and would go the last mile in front or beside you. She loved staying connected with her Kentucky cousins and special friends throughout her adult life. Anne blazed the trail for the cousins that came after her. Anne was notorious in the family for all her accomplishments and attempts that fell short. Anne lived her life exactly as she wished, entirely on her own terms. She was wickedly smart and quick witted; and she was supremely confident. She brought several generations of cousins together and offered those who had never known each other a chance to meet.

Anne was predeceased by her parents, a half-sister, Emily Hedden Conway, and the love of her life, Jim Little. She is survived by several cousins and close friends.

Those we love do not go away; they walk beside us every day.  You will forever be in our hearts, and we will continue to laugh together as you always loved to do. Until we meet again.