Oprah Winfrey’s mother dies on Thanksgiving.
Vernita Lee, mother to media mogul Oprah Winfrey has passed away at age 83 in her Milwaukee home. The cause of death has not been released.
Born in 1935 in rural Mississippi, Lee gave birth to Oprah, her first child, as a teenager. Vernita Lee and Vernon Winfrey separated shortly after and Lee moved to Milwaukee to work. While Oprah Winfrey’s mother relocated, Winfrey remained in Mississippi under the care of her maternal grandmother for six years.
Although their bond did not mirror perfection, the women continuously worked towards a better relationship. A memorable moment between Oprah and her mother came in 1990 when Oprah gave her mother a makeover. This created a heartwarming mother-daughter moment for the world to see.
Predeceased by son Jeffrey Lee, who died in 1989 and daughter Patricia Lee Lloyd, who died in 2003, Vernita Lee survived by Oprah Winfrey as well as daughter Patricia Amanda, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
A spokesperson says private funeral services have been held for Vernita Lee.
Oprah Winfrey has not yet made any public statement regarding the passing of her mother.
