Cheslie Corrinne Kryst

Cheslie Corrinne Kryst held many titles- licensed attorney, Miss USA 2019, Emmy Award- nominated TV presenter. But to those who loved her the most, Cheslie was a daughter, sister, and friend. Gone too soon, she departed her earthly life on January 30, 2022, at just 30 years old.

Cheslie was born on April 28, 1991, in Jackson, Mich., to Rodney Kryst and April Simpkins. When Cheslie was a child, the family relocated to Charlotte, N.C.

A brilliant young woman who was a fierce advocate for her community, she earned a business degree from the University of South Carolina, where she graduated cum laude, before graduating with an M.B.A. and a law degree from Wake Forest University. Her time as a litigation attorney allowed her to work pro bono for clients with excessive sentences, particularly people of color. She was an accomplished D1 Track and Field athlete, having held records at her alma mater, The University of South Carolina. Her bright light and compassionate personality attracted Cheslie to several causes, including Dress for Success and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

Cheslie’s inner beauty matches her outer beauty. She was a constant in Carolinas’ pageant scene, following in her mother’s footsteps – a former Mrs. North Carolina US. Cheslie won Miss Freshman at Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, S.C., Miss Fort Mill High School in Fort Mill, S.C., and Miss North Carolina USA. She was crowned Miss USA in 2019 and notably became part of the ‘trifecta’ of Black beauty queens that included Miss America and Miss Teen USA. Cheslie proudly wore the crown for 557 days, the longest- reigning titleholder in the pageant’s history. The opportunity opened doors for Cheslie to take on the role of a TV correspondent and interview various celebrities.

Cheslie leaves a legacy from her three decades of life that will never be forgotten. She is survived by her parents – Rodney Kryst, April Simpkins, and David Simpkins; her sister – Page Kryst; her brothers - Asa Kryst, Chandler Kryst, Brooklyn Simpkins, and Jet Simpkins; her niece – Raegan Kryst; her grandparents – Joyce Reece-Thomas, Virginia Kryst, and Gary and Tessa Simpkins, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.