MILWAUKEE -- Friends, family and local relatives are mourning the passing of Vernita Lee -- the mother of Oprah Winfrey. She was 83 years old.
Oprah's niece tells TODAY'S TMJ4's Carole Meekins that Lee passed away on Thanksgiving. Lee was known for her kindness, warmth and faith. She will be deeply missed by loved ones.
A Winfrey spokeswoman on Monday issued a statement saying Lee died at her Milwaukee home on Nov. 22. The spokeswoman says private funeral services were held. No other details were provided.
Lee was a teenager when she gave birth to Winfrey in Mississippi in 1954. They moved to Milwaukee when Winfrey was 6 years old.
Lee lived on Prospect Avenue in Milwaukee for several years.
