The Serena Williams Vogue cover was Chong’s last big job. During this time, Chong was confined to her wheelchair and unable to speak.
Chong was also known for working with various iconic models and luminaries, including comedian Ziwe, South Sudanese-Australian model Adut Akech and playwright, actor, and philanthropist Jeremy O. Harris.
“I woke up this morning to the really s****y news that someone that I love very much and was a great collaborator of mine, Latisha Chong, has passed away and today I just wanted to sit in my bedroom and watch TV and cry and think about her,” said O. Harris.
“I thought about it and Latisha is the person that had the most life out of anyone I knew, so much joy and so I thought why not go out and celebrate her and her Joy right now and leave a little TikTok online that shows some of my favorite hairstyles she made with me. I love you sis.”
Before becoming a celebrity hairstylist, Chong served in the U.S. Air Force since the age of 19. Later, she left the army with an honorable medical discharge in 2014.
Prior to joining the armed forces, Chong attended Charleston Southern University, where she studied biology.
Chong is survived by her parents, Darlene and Garrick, sisters Afesha and Tenisha, as well as her 12-year-old son Malachi.
