The self-proclaimed “Queen of Chic” was reportedly diagnosed in 2014 at age 34 with stage-three cancer of the bile ducts. Lewellyn died of a rare illness “that affects the liver,” according to Variety. She later opened up on her ordeal publicly in 2015.
“Daisy passed on in peace and filled with joy, surrounded by her family and friends,” the statement by Bravo TV read. We are all saddened to lose this wonderful woman. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy is expressed.”
Lewellyn graduated from historically black Howard in the nation’s capital with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts in 2002. The author penned Never Pay Retail Again: Shop Smart, Spend Less, and Look Your Best Ever in 2010. Her career as a writer led her to editor jobs for magazines including Glamour, InStyle, and Essence, and she was also host of BlackEnterprise.com‘s “Working Your Style” series.
After Lewellyn discovered she had cancer, she said maybe it was her time to go but she wasn’t “afraid to die” and said she was all right with it.
“It was kind of shocking. But also when I was diagnosed, I remember some of my immediate thoughts being like, ‘Well you know what? I’m not afraid to die,” she told Madame Noire in an interview in early 2015. “It wasn’t like I wanted to die and it wasn’t like I didn’t want to live because I absolutely love my life and I’ve always loved my life, but they told me it was stage three cancer. I was like, ‘Well, if it’s my time to go, I’m okay with it.”
Her fellow Bison responded to the news with heavy hearts on social media.
So sad to hear of the news of fellow Howard alum @daisylewellyn. I really just can’t believe that she is gone. God bless you Daisy
— Natalie M Cofield (@ncofield) April 8, 2016
RIP Howard Alum @daisylewellyn !! Cancer sucks 😞
— Shanae Nicole (@_MissMD) April 8, 2016
