Vanilla Bekah Ree Parker Hinson died at the age of 76 at Cleveland Memorial Hospital on Monday, June 23, 2025. She was born in Cleveland County on May 26, 1949 to the late, John Calvin Parker & Mary Nichols Parker.

Vanilla was proceeded in death by her parents, late husband, James K. Hinson and brother, John Calvin Parker, Jr. She is survived by her children, Eleanor Mitzi Hines (Charlie); Demaris J. Hinson (Ashley); and Rebecca Y. Hinson-Lewis (Adrian), her siblings, Essie Mae Bristol, Mamie Dorinda Parker, J.C. Parker (Anna) and Quetina Parker Smarr (Johnny); Grandchildren - Alecia, Jonathon (Luzina), Tim, Caleb (Alexis), Khalil, Xavier, Demaris Jr, Austin, Lamont & Tylar and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Vanilla was academically gifted and was one of the first African American student to integrate Kings Mountain High School . She was a graduate from Kings Mountain High School & N.C. A&T University. She worked in the Cleveland County School, Parkdale Mills and manager at various establishments. She was active at the Adult Senior Center, loved to dance, read her bible and pray.

No services have been scheduled at this time