Remembering Miss North Carolina: Carrie Everett's Legacy and Battle with Cancer

A Song Silenced Too Soon: Remembering Carrie Everett's Inspiring Life and Advocacy

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:53pm

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An abstract close-up of shattered glass reflecting a faint red light, conveying the tragic loss of a young life with vibrant potential.The shattered remnants of a once-sparkling life, a poignant reminder of the fragility of our time on Earth.Huntsville Today

Carrie Everett, the 2024 Miss North Carolina, passed away at the young age of 22 after a courageous battle with signet ring cell carcinoma. Everett was the first current HBCU student to hold the Miss North Carolina title, using her platform to advocate for equity and accessibility in pageantry. Beyond her crown, she was a passionate music student at North Carolina Central University, known for her beautiful gospel performances that touched many. Though her life was tragically cut short, Everett's legacy of advocacy, faith, and artistic expression continues to inspire.

Why it matters

Carrie Everett's story highlights the immense impact one individual can have, even at a young age. Her commitment to breaking barriers and uplifting others through her pageant work and musical talents is a powerful testament to living with purpose. Her passing is a tragic loss, but also an opportunity to reflect on how we can follow her example of grace, strength, and dedication to making a difference.

The details

Carrie Everett was a sophomore music major at North Carolina Central University when she was crowned Miss North Carolina in 2024. She was the first current HBCU student to hold this title, using her platform to advocate for greater equity and accessibility in the pageant world. Tragically, Everett was diagnosed with signet ring cell carcinoma in 2024 and passed away in 2026 at the age of 22 after a courageous battle. Throughout her illness, Everett remained focused on her music and continued to share her beautiful gospel performances at NCCU events, inspiring the campus community.

  • Carrie Everett was crowned Miss North Carolina in 2024.
  • Everett was diagnosed with signet ring cell carcinoma in 2024.
  • Everett passed away in 2026 at the age of 22.

The players

Carrie Everett

The 2024 Miss North Carolina, who was a passionate music student at North Carolina Central University and used her platform to advocate for equity and accessibility in pageantry.

Karrie G. Dixon

The Chancellor of North Carolina Central University, who spoke of Everett as a "trailblazer" whose "inspirational talent and leadership" touched many.

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What they’re saying

“Carrie was a trailblazer whose inspirational talent and leadership touched many.”

— Karrie G. Dixon, Chancellor, North Carolina Central University

“Carrie's cries of her heart became songs that stirred the spirits of everyone.”

— Anonymous

The takeaway

Carrie Everett's story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact one individual can have, regardless of age. Her commitment to equity, her dedication to her artistic dreams, and her unwavering faith in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration for us all to live with greater purpose and compassion.