Malcolm’s funeral service was held at Central Assemblies of God church in Kingston, Jamaica, on Aug. 22

NEED TO KNOW

• A scholarship was announced in LaToya Malcolm’s memory following the former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant’s death
• The scholarship will provide two high school students with $100,000 to assist with their educational development
• The pageant queen was 35 when she died on July 17

A scholarship has been announced in LaToya Malcolm’s memory after she died at 35 on July 17. 

On Saturday, Aug. 22, the former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant’s family held a funeral service for her at 10 a.m. local time at Central Assemblies of God church in Kingston, Jamaica, according to a graphic shared with PEOPLE by one of her family members. 

“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure,” read the flyer.

A cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.

During the service, Delano Seiveright, who serves as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, announced the LaToya Malcolm Scholarship for Resilience, according to the Jamaica Observer. 

The scholarship will provide two high school students with $100,000 to assist with their educational development.

The Miss Universe Jamaica organization shared the news of Malcolm’s death on July 18. 

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Miss Universe Jamaica alumna LaToya Malcolm, who proudly competed in the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica Competition,” they wrote in a statement at the time. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and loved ones. Rest peacefully, LaToya. You will never be forgotten.”

According to the Miss Universe Jamaica Instagram account, Malcolm was a Jamaica-based actress and entertainer with over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry. 

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

In 2024, Malcolm took home the title of Miss Jamaica Bikini International, telling Jamaica Observer that she was able to persevere in her training and take home the crown despite the death of her father earlier that year. 

“My beloved father, Mr. Malcolm, this win was for you,” she wrote in an Instagram post celebrating her win at the time. “Your one and only daughter continues to make you proud. I know you’re smiling down on me from heaven 🕊️💙.”

After Malcolm’s death was announced, the current Miss Universe Jamaica titleholder, Gabrielle Henry, expressed her condolences on social media. 

“After many years of experiencing loss and hardship, I’ve learnt the deep relevance of pausing and reflecting on the lives of those who lived fully, unapologetically and with great passion,” she said. “To hear of Latoya’s passing is a great loss to her family and the wider community, Jamaica, her impact will always be remembered and her voice will not be forgotten. Wishing her family my deepest condolences. May she rest in peace.”

Source link