Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst Remembered as Being ‘Unapologetically Herself’ at Memorial Service
Hundreds of people gathered at a church south of Charlotte, N.C., on Friday to celebrate the life of former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst.
The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner previously confirmed that Kryst died by suicide on Jan. 30 at age 30.
Friday’s public celebration of life at Elevation Church in Blakeney, N.C., included speeches from people with personal connections to Kryst, who won the Miss USA pageant in 2019.
April Simpkins, Kryst’s mother, said her late daughter stood firm by her beliefs and was “unapologetically herself,” according to The Charlotte Observer.
“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.”
Simpkins also said Kryst “is forever my baby girl,” WCNC reports. “I’m going to miss all of her and the living example of a pure heart. I’m going to miss that the most.”
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 the Observer.
“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 the Cheslie Kryst Women’s Advancement Fund aimed at continuing “her legacy of empowering, advancing, and supporting women today and throughout their employment journey,” per its website.
Kryst’s mother, April, also implored others to “take care of your mental health” and said she was “touched by all the stories you’ve shared with me of choosing to seek counseling,” according to WIS-TV. She added, “I’m proud of you.”
