Carrie Everett of Charlotte, North Carolina — beloved former Miss North Carolina 2024 — passed away on April 6, 2026, at the age of 22, after a valiant and deeply inspiring battle with a rare form of stomach cancer.
Carrie’s passing has left friends, family, and the pageant community grieving the loss of a vibrant young leader whose spirit, talent, and testimony touched hearts across the state and beyond.
A Life of Grace, Commitment & Service
Born and raised with determination and grace, Carrie rose to prominence when she was crowned Miss North Carolina 2024. Her reign wasn’t defined merely by beauty — but by her passion for equity, education, and community service. As a student at North Carolina Central University, where she pursued a degree in vocal performance and the arts, she championed community outreach and used her platform to inspire young women to pursue their dreams regardless of obstacles.
Carrie’s story was one of grit and humility. Coming from modest beginnings, she once shared that when she entered the pageant she had only $40 in her pocket, yet she went on to win scholarships, awards, and the admiration of many who saw in her a bold example of perseverance.
A Courageous Battle & Deep Faith
In July 2025, Carrie was diagnosed with metastatic signet ring cell carcinoma — a rare and aggressive form of gastric cancer. Despite the severity of her illness and facing intense treatments, Carrie lived with a powerful blend of courage and faith. She openly shared her journey of treatment, including rounds of chemotherapy, hospital stays, and relentless medical challenges, while remaining steadfast in her belief that her purpose extended beyond her own pain.
Her family shared that she continued to proclaim the goodness of God through her struggles, using her voice — literally and figuratively — to uplift those around her. “The cries of her heart became songs that stirred the spirits of everyone who had the pleasure of hearing her sing,” her family shared in a touching tribute.
Impact, Legacy & Inspirational Voice
Carrie wasn’t just a titleholder; she was a trailblazer. One of the few Black women to win the Miss North Carolina crown in the pageant’s long history, she brought representation and voice to communities that have often been overlooked.
Her advocacy extended beyond pageant platforms into real-world encouragement — urging women to listen to their bodies, seek care, and advocate for their health. Her transparency about her disease helped shine a spotlight on a condition that disproportionately affects adults under fifty, reminding many of the importance of awareness and early detection.
Remembering Carrie Everett
Carrie’s legacy will be cherished by her family, friends, and the countless individuals she inspired through her life and her faith. Her dedication to community equity, her love for performance and music, and her perseverance in the face of unimaginable adversity remain a testament to her beautiful spirit.
In mourning her loss, we also celebrate a life that, though brief, was marked by purpose, passion, and endless love — reminding us all to live courageously, serve bravely, and give generously.
Rest in Peace, Carrie Everett — your light will continue to shine through the many lives you touched.
For funeral or memorial service details and condolences, families typically share arrangements directly with local communities and pageant organizations, and we encourage those wishing to honor Carrie’s memory to follow official announcements.