The Austin Times

A Multicultural News Source

  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • News
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Health
  • Community
  • Business
  • Food & Lifestyle
  • Opinions
  • Politics
  • Calendar
  • Technology
  • Travel
  • Fashion
  • Classifieds
  • AutoZone

Oprah Winfrey’s mom, Vernita Lee, dead at 83

9:27 am by admin Leave a Comment

Oprah Winfrey’s mom, Vernita Lee, died Thursday at age 83.

TMZ confirmed Monday that Lee died on Thanksgiving Day. Winfrey’s niece, Alisha Hayes, announced the news on Instagram.

Lee’s family told People Lee died at her home in Milwaukee, Wisc. Winfrey’s rep said Lee was laid to rest at a private funeral.

Lee is survived by Winfrey and daughter Patricia Amanda Faye Lee, whom she placed for adoption as an infant and reconnected with as an adult. Lee’s two other children, Jeffrey Lee and Patricia Lee Lloyd, died in 1989 and 2003, respectively.

Winfrey has yet to address her mother’s death. The media mogul was raised by her grandmother before being sent to live with Lee at six years old, which she discussed in a 2015 interview with OWN.

“I grew up with an understanding that there was this God — all-knowing, all-powerful — who loved me. The wonder of that, the magical mystery of that , is what carried me when I was separated from my grandmother and sent to live with my mother,” the star recalled.

“I suddenly land in a place that’s completely foreign to me. I don’t know anybody. I don’t really even know my mother,” she said.

Winfrey had a strained relationship with Lee, but encouraged fans to embrace their families in an Oprah’s Lifeclass in 2013.

The 64-year-old media mogul shared a throwback photo with Lee and their extended family Monday following her mother’s death last week.

The picture shows Winfrey, her longtime partner, Stedman Graham, and family gathered around Lee at a table. Winfrey thanked fans for their support in the caption.

“Thank you all for your kind words and condolences regarding my mother Vernita Lee’s passing. It gives our family great comfort knowing she lived a good life and is now at Peace,” she wrote.

Lee died Thursday on Thanksgiving at her home in Milwaukee, Wisc. Winfrey’s rep told People Lee was laid to rest at a private funeral.

Lee is survived by Winfrey and daughter Patricia Amanda Faye Lee, whom she placed for adoption as an infant. She was preceded in death by her two other children, Jeffrey Lee and Patricia Lee Lloyd.

Winfrey was raised by her grandmother before being sent to live with Lee at six years old and had a strained relationship with her mom. She encouraged fans to have “a perfect love for imperfect people” in an Oprah’s Lifeclass in 2013.

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, News, Other News, Photo Gallery

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

In This Issue

Biden signs orders for $15 minimum wage, aid for low-income families

On his second full day in the White House, President Joe Biden signed two … [Read More...]

Baseball’s legendary home run king Hank Aaron dies at 86

Legendary baseball star and onetime home run king Hank Aaron, who … [Read More...]

Children much more likely to spread COVID-19 to others

While children are less susceptible to illness with the new coronavirus, … [Read More...]

Senate confirms retired Gen. Lloyd Austin as defense secretary

Lloyd J. Austin III was confirmed by the Senate as defense secretary on … [Read More...]

Philonise Floyd to Congress on police reforms: ‘Stop the pain’

Philonise Floyd told House lawmakers Wednesday that it's their … [Read More...]

U.S. consumer prices down for 3rd month in a row

The U.S. Consumer Price Index, the gauge that measures change in the costs … [Read More...]

News Archives

  • Facebook
  • RSS

Copyright ©2021 · The Austin Times - All Rights Reserved ·