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Vernita Lee, Oprah Winfrey’s mother, has died at the age of 83-years-old. Lee passed away at her home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Thursday, November 22, 2018.
Lee, who was born on was born on May 2, 1935, gave birth to Oprah Winfrey when she was just a teenager on January 29, 1954, in Kosciusko, Mississippi.
Despite being born into poverty, Winfrey has grown up to be one of the most successful businesswomen in the world, having earned the title of “Queen of All Media”.
The richest African American of the 20th century, Winfrey was North America’s first black multi-billionaire.
Lee is 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.
Lee’s full obituary can be found below:
“The family of Vernita Lee are saddened to share of her passing on November 22, 2018, at her home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was 83 years old.
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.
She was predeceased by son Jeffrey Lee (1960-1989) and daughter Patricia Lee Lloyd (1959-2003). Private funeral services have been held. Memorial donations in Vernita’s name may be made to Feeding America.”
A spokesperson for the Winfrey family said in a statement that Lee has already been laid to rest at a private funeral. Additionally, the Winfrey family has asked that memorial donations in Vernita’s name can be made to Feeding America.
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