Cheslie Kryst.Photo: Bruce Glikas/WireImage
Hundreds of people gathered at a church south of Charlotte, N.C., on Friday to celebrate the life of former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst.
Friday’s public celebration of life atElevation Churchin Blakeney, N.C., included speeches from people with personal connections to Kryst, who won the Miss USA pageant in 2019.
Cheslie Kryst.Dia Dipasupil/WireImage
“Cheslie throughout her life sowed many seeds through her work, her philanthropy, her advocacy, and most importantly, her genuine care for others,” Simpkins said. “I know those seeds will continue to bear fruit for many years.”
Edward Watson, a man who Kryst helped free from incarceration in 2020, also spoke fondly of Kryst’s compassion for others.
With her stepfather, David Simpkins, and attorney MiAngel Cody, Kryst helped reduce Watson’s sentence for crack trafficking and weapons charges, which allowed him to walk free after 25 years behind bars, according to theObserver.
Cheslie Kryst.
“In life we encounter ordinary people, but there are rare cases when we meet extraordinary people,” Watson said, per the publication. “I needed help, the Lord sent the help that I needed.”
Kerry Barr O’Connor, the executive director of Dress for Success, called Kryst “one of the most effervescent people I ever met,” WCNC reports.
“She was always positive, she was always ready to take on the next task,” she said, according to the outlet.
In wake of Kyrst’s death, Dress for Success created theCheslie Kryst Women’s Advancement Fundaimed at continuing “her legacy of empowering, advancing, and supporting women today and throughout their employment journey,” per its website.
“Organizations that have said Cheslie gave so much to us, it’s now time to continue her legacy and give to others on her behalf,” family spokesperson LaToya Evans said at Friday’s memorial service, WCNC reports.
Evans also said the formerExtrahost’s “legacy and her impact will live into perpetuity,” according to theObserver.
Cheslie Kryst, Miss North Carolina USA 2019, is crowned Miss USA 2019.The Miss Universe Organization
“Be selfless like Cheslie,” she said.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go tosuicidepreventionlifeline.org.
source: people.com
