Oprah Winfrey’s Mother, Vernita Lee, Passed Away on Thanksgiving

Oprah Winfrey’s mother, Vernita Lee, passed away on Thanksgiving Day, according to PEOPLE. She was 83. 

Lee was born on May 2, 1935, in Mississippi, where she met Vernon Winfrey. In 1954, the two welcomed daughter, Oprah. 

Years later, Lee moved to Milwaukee, where she worked as a housekeeper and remained. Lee is survived by Winfrey and her other daughter Patricia Amanda Faye Lee, who she reconnected with after adoption. 

A spokesperson for Winfrey tells PEOPLE her mother has already been laid to rest at a private funeral. 

Our condolences to the Lee and Winfrey families.