Oprah Winfrey (right), and her mother Vernita Lee. The two are pictured at Vernita’s 80th birthday three years ago
The death was first revealed by Oprah’s niece, Alisha Hayes on Facebook, and confirmed by representatives for the star.
‘My grandmother, Rest In Peace,’ Alisha wrote, sharing pictures of the two together.
She added: ‘I lost my beautiful grandma on Thanksgiving. She was the number one supporter of Pat’s [Alisha’s restaurant] and was the person who named our restaurant. We will miss her and will carry on her legacy of good eatin! We love you Vernita Lee!’
An official obituary explained that Vernita died at her home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and said a private funeral has already been held.
Along with her famous daughter Oprah, Vernita was survived by her daughter Patricia Amanda Faye Lee, Oprah’s half-sister, 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 her son Jeffrey Lee and daughter Patricia Lee Lloyd.
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