Vanilla Beane Cause of Death

Vanilla Beane, whose radiant hats topped the heads of legions of African American women for half a century died October 23, 2022, at a Washington hospital. She was 103 years old.

According to her grandson Craig Seymour, the cause was complications from an aortic tear.

Former Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a statement announcing her death and said “Ms Vanilla Beane personified Black excellence.”

“She was known as DC’s Hat Lady. She was a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother all rolled into one. She was an inspiration to generations of Black women and anyone who has ever considered turning their talent into a business that they love so much that they stay at it into their hundreds.”

Throughout her career, Beane created custom hats for local and national figures such as poet Maya Angelou and civil rights activist Dorothy Height; one of Height’s hats is featured on the USPS Forever stamp.

One of her hats is on display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The NMAAHC also has a 3D scan of a green velveteen wrap hat from the 1950s and 1960s. Vanilla Beane Day is celebrated on September 13 by the government of Washington, DC.