by Howard Campbell
OTTAWA, Canada – Carole Joan Crawford, the primary Jamaican to win the Miss World contest, died in Ottawa, Canada on December nineteenth at age 81.
Her son, Stephan Merkens, informed South Florida Caribbean Information that his mom died in hospice care. He didn’t give a reason behind loss of life, however mentioned she had been in poor health.
Crawford, who was born in Kingston, grew to become Miss World in November, 1963. She lived in Canada for a few years along with her German husband Klaus Merkens and their two youngsters. He died final 12 months.
Standing 5 ft, three inches, Crawford stays one of many shortest contestants to win Miss World, which was first held in 1951. She was additionally the primary particular person of African descent to put on the crown.
Jamaica’s prime minister Andrew Holness paid tribute to Crawford, hailing her as a trailblazer.
“As we mourn her passing, we additionally have fun her unimaginable contributions to Jamaica’s international recognition. Might her soul relaxation in peace, and should her household discover consolation in understanding the lasting influence she has left on our nation,” he mentioned in an announcement.
Dahila Harris, proprietor of the Miss Jamaica World franchise, additionally hailed Crawford.
“She has impressed generations of ladies to embrace their distinctive magnificence and potential, demonstrating that excellence is aware of no race or geography. We’ll perpetually have fun her legacy which endures as a reminder of the ability of illustration and the significance of breaking obstacles to create pathways,” Harris said.
Carole Joan Crawford is one among 4 Jamaicans to win the Miss World title. The others are Cindy Breakespeare (1976), Lisa Hanna (1993) and Toni-Ann Singh (2019).
She is survived by her youngsters, Stephan and Daniela, 4 grandchildren and two brothers.
