Vernita Lee Obituary

Vernita Lee, the mother of American TV host Oprah Winfrey, died on November 22, 2018. She was aged 83.

Lee is survived by her caring and devoted daughters, Oprah Winfrey and Patricia Amanda Faye Lee.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Alisha Hayes, Chrishaunda Lee Perez, Aquarius Lofton, Kenny Lloyd, Keith Lloyd, and Andre Brown.

She had great-grandchildren – Trinity Hayes, Donovan Hayes, Jaxon Praise Perez, and Chai Perez; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Vernita Lee Early Life

Vernita Lee was born to her parents, Ernest Lee and Hattie Mae Presley in Kosciusko, Mississippi on May 2, 1935.

Lee worked as a cook. She developed interest in cooking from a very early age and learnt how to bake at age 8.

She relocated to Milwaukee with her parents  in 1958.

While at Milwaukee, she served as head cook at St. Michael’s Hospital and was a member of the choir at her local church, the Metropolitan Church.