One of her hats was displayed and is in the collection of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC).

She worked on local farms which grew tobacco and cotton, and attended a single room school in Nash County, North Carolina.

[1][2] While working as an elevator operator at the Washington Millinery and Supply Company, she began making clothing – including hats – since she was around fabric, and was hired in 1955 as a seamstress.

[7][2] Throughout her career she made custom hats for local and national figures, including poet Maya Angelou and civil rights activist Dorothy Height; one of Beane's hats is featured on Height's USPS Forever stamp.

[6] Beane died on October 23, 2022, at age 103, in Washington, D.C.[8][1] Mayor Muriel Bowser announced her passing in a statement and said[12] Ms.