KINGSTON, Jamaica — Loved ones have gathered at the Central Assembly of God on Lincoln Road to celebrate the life of former Miss Universe contestant and actress LaToya Malcolm, who passed away at 35 last month.

A heartfelt written tribute by Malcolm’s mother was shared with congregants.

“From the moment you came into my life, you were precious to me. I wanted nothing more than to raise you with love, dignity, pride, respect, and strong values. I wanted you to know who you were, whose you were, and the worth God placed inside you. And you became exactly that; a beautiful woman. You grew up in different spaces and experienced different environments, but I will always be proud that you never allowed your surroundings to define you,” she shared.