Tiara Christen Lindo's Obituary
REMEMBERING TIARA
Tiara Christen Dews-Lindo peacefully transitioned on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Alexandria, Virginia. She was born on December 30, 1982, in Washington, D.C., to Cheri Suzzane Dews and Christopher Emmanuel Hough.
Tiara received her early education in Washington, D.C., where her brilliance was evident from a young age. She was the recipient of the CIA’s Scientist of the Future Award and the USA National Scholarship Pre-Teen D.C. She later graduated from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, where her creativity and presence flourished.
Tiara continued her education at Hawaii Pacific University, studying Pre-Med and Cultural Anthropology. She also completed a summer internship at Princeton University in its Japanese Culture Program. In addition, Tiara shadowed Dr. Clive O. Callender at Howard University Hospital, further reflecting her wide-ranging intellectual curiosity and dedication to learning.
In 2000, Tiara was crowned Miss Cherry Blossom Queen, Miss District of Columbia Teen USA, and she was a finalist in the Miss Teen USA Pageant that same year. She later earned the title Miss District of Columbia USA in 2004. These experiences encouraged her career in modeling, where she proudly used her platform to uplift others and advocate for breast cancer awareness.
While Tiara was known for her outer beauty, it was her inner beauty that truly defined her. When she entered a room, her presence radiated warmth and light, flowing from a loving and kind heart. Tiara had a rare gift: she would seek out the loneliest person in the room, introduce herself, and leave them smiling. The friends she surrounded herself with were reflections of who she was—loving, caring, and selfless to the very end.
In 2009, Tiara met her beloved husband, Carl Lindo. Their love was almost instantaneous and far deeper than either of them had imagined. Tiara often shared that she never knew she could love a man the way she loved Carl, and she knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. They soon married, and their love was blessed with the birth of their first son, Sage Lindo. The depth of love she felt for Sage awakened a longing for another child, and in time their second son, Sol Lindo, was born.
Tiara not only poured love into her sons, but into everyone she met. She treated all people with love, respect, and kindness. A woman of faith, Tiara loved the Lord and held Psalm 91 close to her heart. She will be remembered for her grace, warmth, radiant spirit, and deep devotion to her family.
Tiara is survived by her husband, Carl Lindo; her sons, Sage Lindo and Sol Lindo; her mother, Cheri Dews; her father, Christopher Hough; her brother, Grayson Hough; her twin sisters, Symone Davis and Sumiya Davis; her niece, Janay Kenney; her aunt, Martha Hough; her uncles, Todd Legrant, Jonathan Legrant, John Legrant, and Walter Byrd; her chosen sisters, Raven Duvall, Tamara (Tammy) Briscoe-Arthur, and Crystal Rucker; and a host of loving family members and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandmothers, Doshie Hough and Mary Dews.
Legacy Highlights
Celebrating Tiara's Journey and Impact
✦ Public Service
From an early age, Tiara demonstrated a heart for community. As a junior high school student, she interned with Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Sr., gaining early experience in civic leadership and public service which was a reflection of her lifelong desire to uplift others.
✦ Education, Vision & Intellectual Curiosity
While attending the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Tiara earned opportunities to expand her global and scientific interests, including studying Japanese culture through a Princeton University program and shadowing renowned transplant surgeon Dr. Clive O. Callender at Howard University Hospital. She later continued her studies at Hawaii Pacific University, pursuing pre-med coursework alongside cultural anthropology.
Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit and dream of launching her business, Madre Dulce, Tiara also pursued business studies through Harvard Business School to strengthen her knowledge and preparation. Although a breast cancer diagnosis interrupted her ability to complete the program, her determination, vision, and commitment to building something meaningful for her family and community never wavered.
✦ Honors & Representation
Affectionately known as Washington, D.C.'s "Little Princess," Tiara earned multiple distinctions, including Miss District of Columbia Teen USA and Miss Cherry Blossom Queen in 2000, and later Miss District of Columbia USA in 2004. Through these roles, she proudly represented her community with grace and purpose. She was also invited as one of the distinguished "Faces of Hope" attending President Bill Clinton's inaugural festivities.
✦ Arts, Modeling & Professional Presence
A gifted performer and model from childhood, Tiara participated in Harvey Starr Washington productions, including Congressional Black Caucus fashion showcases, and trained with etiquette and modeling instructor Precola DeVor. These experiences shaped the confidence, poise, and professionalism that became hallmarks of her presence.
Her True Legacy
Beyond every recognition or achievement, Tiara will be remembered most for her warmth, generosity, and the extraordinary way she made people feel seen, valued, and loved. Her light continues to live on in every life she touched.
What’s your fondest memory of Tiara?
What’s a lesson you learned from Tiara?
Share a story where Tiara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Tiara you’ll never forget.
How did Tiara make you smile?
