Oprah Winfrey's Mother Vernita Lee Dies On Thanksgiving At 83

Oprah Winfrey's mother, Vernita Lee, died on Thanksgiving Day, as per a social media post from the media mogul's niece, Alisha Hayes. She was 83.

On Monday (November 26), TMZ reported Lee had passed on the annual holiday, with the family confirming the death afterward. While few details surrounding the loss are available, word is Lee passed in her home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and a private funeral service has already been held. Memorial donations in Lee's name can be made to Feeding America. "Born May 2, 1935, she is survived by her daughters Oprah Winfrey and Patricia Amanda Faye Lee, grandchildren Alisha Hayes, Chrishaunda Lee Perez, Aquarius Lofton and Andre Brown and great-grandchildren Jaxon Praise Perez, Chai Theresa Perez, Donovan Hayes and Trinity Hayes," her obituary reads. "She was predeceased by son Jeffrey Lee (1960-1989) and daughter Patricia Lee Lloyd (1959-2003). Private funeral services have been held."

While Oprah shared two posts from her Thanksgiving festivity on Instagram, she has not posted anything on social media since then. TMZ reported that the titan had a turbulent relationship with her mother in her young years and had to have her maternal grandmother raise the future star up until the age of six as Lee worked as a housemaid in Milwaukee. 

Scroll on below to revisit a vintage 2007 interview with Venita Lee, where she opened up about her famous daughter.

Photo: Getty Images


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content