Our hearts are heavy as we share the passing of our beautiful Canika-Chisa George-John, daughter, sister, friend, colleague, and forever our Millennial VI Carnival Queen.
Canika was light; pure, undeniable light. Her smile could shift the energy of a room, her laugh was contagious, and her spirit was as vibrant as the feathers and sequins she wore so gracefully during Carnival. She loved her Virgin Islands deeply, its people, its music, its rhythm, and she carried that love into every corner of her life and career.
Canika represented more than beauty and elegance. She embodied the confidence, creativity, and cultural pride of a new generation of Virgin Islanders. Her passion for community and culture also shaped her professional path. She began her career as an intern at the U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel and Tourism Association, where her dedication, professionalism, and natural leadership quickly earned her increasing responsibilities. Through hard work and heart, she rose to become Office Manager, and later went on to serve as Marketing Director at the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, a role that allowed her to share the magic of the Virgin Islands with the world.
Whether she was representing the Territory abroad or mentoring young professionals at home, Canika led with grace, humility, and purpose. She believed deeply in the power of storytelling, culture, and community; and she made it her mission to uplift both her people and her islands wherever she went.
Canika had a rare gift for making others feel seen and valued. She remembered your story, your birthday, your dreams. She cheered for your wins and offered gentle encouragement when you needed it most. Her warmth filled every space, her laughter lingered long after she left the room, and her love left a lasting imprint on everyone who knew her.
We will forever remember her spirit — radiant, kind, and full of life. Though our hearts ache in her absence, we take comfort in knowing her light will continue to dance through the streets of Carnival, in every beat of the drum, every sparkle of sequins, and every shared moment of joy that reminds us of her.
She is survived by her loving parents, Cleve-Allan George, I, and Judith Bartlette; her children, Caissa-Victoria John, Cemi-Leila John, and Jordan Ethan John; her siblings, Chioke-Naomi George, Cleve-Allan George, II, Cubie-Ayah George, Chunikwa Ordelita George, Cleavia Azizza McBean, Franklin Wendell Leonard, II, Cequoyah Aaliyah George, Czade Osiris George, Czakem Horice George, Cherifa Mariamma George; her extended family, and countless friends, colleagues, and loved ones throughout the Virgin Islands and beyond.
An Intimate Viewing will take place at Turnbull’s Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Second Viewing will be held on Thursday, Oct. 30 at 9 a.m. followed by the Celebration of Life at 10 a.m. at Philadelphia Seventh-day Adventist Church (#5 Raphune Hill). Interment will be private.
Gone too soon, but never forgotten. Rest easy, our Queen. You’ve left footprints of love, light, and legacy that will never fade.
Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home & Crematory Services.
St. Croix Source
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