Annette Ilene Langston, a Woodland native who excelled at Special Olympics and inspired others with her joy and toothy grin, passed away from complications of congestive heart failure on Aug. 10, 2024. In her last moments, Annette was surrounded by her family and beloved baby dolls. She was 55.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22 at McNary’s Chapel, 458 College St., Woodland. A burial and reception will follow after the service.

Annette was born in Woodland on Sept. 11, 1968. When she walked before she could crawl, it brought some suspicion to her parents. Doctors later determined that Annette had neurofibromatosis, a rare genetic disorder that typically causes benign tumors of the nerves and growths in other parts of the body.

Annette and her parents did not let this intellectual and physical disability deter her from having a great quality of life. She attended Woodland’s Greengate Center for Exceptional Children (now known as the Greengate School) until she was 17. Annette’s mother, Darlene, started a 4-H program specifically for those with special needs, called 4-H PEP (Program for Exceptional Persons). Annette enjoyed cooking, artwork and raising livestock.

Annette’s father, Charles, was also very involved in her activities, serving as a track coach for the Yolo County Special Olympics. Darlene served as Special Olympics’ Yolo County program director. Annette participated in the long jump and softball throw, advancing all the way to the state championship at the University of California, Los Angeles.

During her 20s, Annette lived in a group care home in Fairfield, where she also continued her schooling. She spent the last half of her life back in Woodland, where she lived in a supported living service program with wonderful caregivers around the clock.

Annette almost always had a smile on her face and loved seeing her family and friends. She greeted people by wrapping her big strong arms around them with a hug and held on tight for a good long while.

From the time she was an infant, until well into adulthood, Annette loved “going on a ride” with her dad, feeling the wind in her hair and seeing all the scenery whisk past her. Annette also enjoyed taking care of her baby dolls and paging through magazines to look at pictures of anything – architecture, sports, fashion – you name it, she liked it.

Her happiness and love of others will be greatly missed. Annette is survived by her mother, Darlene Langston, aunts Kay Huff and Susan Ward, uncle John Dunton, and cousins Ryan Huff, Tyler Huff and Clifford Langston. Annette was preceded in death by her father, Charles Langston, who passed away on May 3, 2024, and grandparents Irene Rominger, Harley Rominger, Alvera (Vera) Langston, Dude Langston and John Dunton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Annette’s name by mailing a check to the Yolo Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 11, Yolo, CA 95697.

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