<p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr">The Miss World pageant account announced the death of Carol Joan Crawford, the 1963 Miss World winner, at the age of 81. </p><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:958/1200;" src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/4764b430-e826-47c3-b2ae-5dc6fc6f94d0.jpeg" ></figure><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Crawford passed away on December 18, 2024, leaving behind a rich legacy of social impact and inspiration.</p><h2 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <span style="color:hsl(187, 48%, 51%);">A historical beginning in the world of beauty</span> </h2><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:951/951;" src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/534f0bf1-d721-46a2-b161-60462e8938fa.jpeg" ></figure><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Born on August 31, 1943 in Kingston, Jamaica, Carol Joan Crawford made history when she was crowned Miss World 1963 in London at the age of 20.</p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> With this coronation, she became the first Jamaican and Caribbean woman to win the title, opening the doors for other women from the region to participate in international competitions.</p><h3 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <span style="color:hsl(187, 48%, 51%);">Her legacy and social impact after the coronation</span> </h3><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/1200;" src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/d0cc2293-6c58-466d-804d-63c0d59c463d.jpeg" ></figure><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> After winning the title, Crawford dedicated her life to advocating for education and community development, as well as empowering young women.</p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> She became a cultural ambassador for Jamaica, highlighting the island's culture and people.</p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> In an official statement, her son Stefan Merkens said that his mother was not just a beauty queen, but a pioneer in community work, noting that she was known for her modesty, human warmth and concern for her family.</p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> “Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come,” he added.</p><h3 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> <span style="color:hsl(187, 48%, 51%);">A lasting tribute and a touching farewell</span> </h3><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1280/640;" src="https://cdn.sbisiali.com/news/images/8e464dfb-294d-4b75-a60b-ee920c1c4435.jpeg" ></figure><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> To commemorate her achievement, a postage stamp was issued in Crawford's honour, as she remains one of only four Jamaicans to have won the title to date.</p><p style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr"> Julia Morley, CEO of the Miss World pageant, also expressed her deep sorrow at the loss of Crawford, noting that she was a beloved woman who left a positive mark on the world.<br></p>