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BORN
1935
DIED
2018
Vernita Lee Obituary
Lee was a teenager when she gave birth to Oprah in Mississippi in 1954.
Lee worked as a housemaid, moving the family to Milwaukee when Oprah was six.
In a 2007 television interview with Milwaukee station WTMJ, Lee said, "I knew Oprah was going to be something.'' "I loved her the way that she loves people now."
Lee is also survived by her daughter, Patricia Amanda Faye Lee. Lee had given up Patricia for adoption at birth but reconnected with her later in life.
Winfrey had a half sister and half brother who have both passed away.
Winfrey has not commented publicly on her mother’s death. The private funeral has already taken place.
We invite you to share condolences for Vernita Lee in her Guest Book.
322 Entries
Kendra Calico
February 6, 2024
God bless
Kendra Calico
Deanna Shumaker
July 25, 2023
I'm sorry for your loss.
.
Aldonnia Mcfadden
February 16, 2021
I didn't knew Oprah Wifey mother personally but I am sorry to hear of her passing but I know the feeling because I lose my mother a couple of years ago and that isn't easy
Aldonnia Mcfadden
February 16, 2021
I wanted to read Oprah Winfrey mother obituary
How you can show support
Vickie Reynolds
May 16, 2020
Vickie Reynolds
LaTonia Sanders
April 26, 2020
I know what it's like to lose a mother. May God continue to strengthen you and may your fondest memories keep your mother in your heart. Peace to You Oprah. May God bless Ms. Vernita's soul. ❤
Lisa
February 9, 2020
RIP to the mom of one of the most historic, amazing, women of all time. Oprah is truly a blessing to the world and is extremely beloved.
Miriam James-Miller
January 10, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Arneatha Flemming & Family
January 9, 2019
Please accept our deepest sympathies, Ma'ams and Sirs.
Respectfully,
Frances
December 29, 2018
I want to extend my condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. We look forward to a time when there will be no more tears, pains and death. May the God of peace comfort you during this time of loss
Sylvia Matsushima
December 28, 2018
Oprah...my deepest condolences to you and your family. You have been such an inspiration to me and I hope future happiness for you.
Geneva McClendon
December 24, 2018
Ms.Oprah Winfrey, My Condolence on the death of your mother, may God grant you peace to cope with your loss. Philippians 4:6,7
Cynthia Daniels
December 18, 2018
Sorry for your loss Oprah I will keep you and your family in my prayer's
Patricia Ann Ware
December 17, 2018
Prayers for Oprah and her family for their loss. Peace and strength for them all.
Brandon Montgomery
December 17, 2018
Prayers for the sadness and depression you will go through...
Jeffrey Sak
December 17, 2018
Sorry to hear of your Mother's Passing, My Mom Passed away 3 years ago Jan 3rd of Brain Cancer, the hardest this to see her go thru it,. I'm Sending Prayers your way for u and your Family That God Graces Bless you All. and may your Mom Rest in Peace until you see one another again . Jeff Sak
Judy Tovsen
December 15, 2018
Oprah, I am so sorry about your mom, my mom passed in 2013 of breast +neck cancer; none of family had this? I have limited greens; but I am so Rich with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit*******I want you to know that I have loved and respected you always; I even went to weight watchers and I lost some-------but God has helped me in all good, bad, and ugly things in this life, he's not only my savior, he is my LORD*******I read and write my Bible. 1st when I get up, since 2017 Feb. 1st, after a visitor came to me*******God is so smart, loving, patient, forthcoming,he is teaching me so much that I had never would know*******I have two sons, Daniel and Dennis and both love their wives: God loved us so much that he gave his only begotten son, Jesus, God's only son. We were so lost, so very very very lost. God rescued us all from lies; to the real truth*******Thank You for always being there with the truth of God's "In the beginning" History. God Bless You*******JRemember, You will be with your mom FOREVER and EVER! Judy Tovsen
December 15, 2018
My sincere condolences to Oprah, Patricia and family for the loss of your dear mother, other relative and friend ~ VERNITA. May the hope that God's word gives us for those we lost in death be comforting, faith building and encouraging to you (John 6:40) ~ Linda, Queens, NY
Theresa Chapman
December 15, 2018
I pray for strength and comfort for you as you are going through your loss at this time, she will always be in your heart and mind .Oprah I'm so sorry it happened to someone so close to your heart .
Teresa Crisp
December 14, 2018
Dear,Oprah I lost my mom a year ago this time. I thank God for allowing me to have my mom as long as I did i am 64. I think of all those wonderful years God had blessed me with her. My mom was 83, its those cherished moments. My very deepest condolences in the passing of your beloved mom. May God grant you peace.
Pat Scarbrough
December 13, 2018
To Oprah sorry for your loss a mother is everything I been though that also keep looking to the hills which cometh your help god bless and keep you much love
Valenda Newell
December 12, 2018
A mother's bond is never broken even when one passes away. The love that was shared between a mother and child is like no other connection from one's heart to the mother's SOUL, it becomes unbearable when she is no longer here on this place we call earth. So OPRAH I'm sending you many PRAYERS and BLESSINGS at this very sad time...THANKS for sharing this with fans❤❤
Gloria Mass
December 12, 2018
Sorry for the loss of your Mother will keep you on pray and you stay prayful
Theresa
December 11, 2018
I am sorry 0prah I lost my Mom last January she was 93 yrs old I took care of her for 16 years I am not the same person anymore. When Moma died a part of me died. I am trying to get on with my life now. Sincere Condolences
Renee McAlpine
December 10, 2018
Sorry for your loss I will keep you in prayer
December 10, 2018
Sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. May you find peace in the midst of this storm! Your Mom must have been so proud of you Oprah! May she RIP and you find comfort in knowing there is a heaven to gain and rest for her soul. I pray you rest in His great love . Katie White Maine
Wendy H
December 9, 2018
Please accept my sincere condolences. May the God of all comfort be with the family during this difficult time.
Patricia Smith
December 8, 2018
Rip Ma'Ma..Sorry Fa Your Lost Oprah Winfrey.Heaven Has Gain Another Angel We Love You Oprah!
Patsy Green
December 8, 2018
My deepest condolences to Ms Winfrey and family ,May God continue to bless everyone one of you
December 8, 2018
My deepest condolences to you and your family and friends. May she rest in peace.
Mary Mooring
December 7, 2018
Our deepest and sincere condolances to you, Ms. Winfrey and to your entire family. May God's Love and Mercy be your strength!
Milton and Mary Mooring
Delores Thompson
December 7, 2018
Sincerest sympathies. I am sure she is very proud of you and what you became. She planted her seed in you and you fulfilled everything that she could have hoped for and more. God's strength to you during your time of bereavement. She produced a beautiful and wonderful child, named Oprah.
Suzie Johantgen
December 7, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Rest in Peace Vernita. I know her life was fulfilled watching you, Oprah, become the most successful and loved women in the world. May she Rest in Peace.
Delandria Cage
December 7, 2018
Losing a parent is difficult! I'm still having a hard time dealing with the loss of my dad in October. Who has helped get me through this troubling time is God! He is the light that will help guide you through this time of darkness. I'm praying for you Oprah, Patricia and your entire family.
Pauline Marques
December 7, 2018
Thank you, Ms. Lee, for the gift of your wonderful daughter, Oprah. May you rest in peace.
Dear Oprah, May the same loving Father who welcomed your mother into His Heavenly home,
hold your heart in your time of great sorrow.
Sister Mary Norberta
December 6, 2018
Sympathy & prayers to Oprah & Patricia
On the loss of your mother.May God give
you peace and consolation. Your mother
Has been welcomed into paradise.
Kendra Whittaker
December 6, 2018
I hope you see this Oprah, but if not just know my prayers are with you. You will never have a connection with anyone like the one you have with your mother. She held you in her body for 10 months, after that no mater where you go, no matter how many miles, years, people or circumstances come between you and she nothing can take her from you or you from her. Life has a beginning and an end, but it is always to short. I too lost my mother I miss her every day. We were close, we had our differences also. Just like you did with yours Im sure. But she was always Mom and I will alway miss and love her, just like you will yours. Keep strong and know I am praying for you.
BARBARA GRAHAM
December 6, 2018
I would like to send my condolences to you, Oprah for the loss of your Mother! God Bless!
Df Jenkins
December 6, 2018
Oprah;
No words can take away the pain that you feel at this time. Dont be afraid to grieve and accept the support from Friends and family. She will always be with you in your heart. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Sincerely,
Ms jenkins
Judy Banks
December 6, 2018
OPrah, I am so sorry to hear about your Mother's Passing. You have always been an inspiration to me. Thanks for all u do. Judy Banks Waynesville N.C.
December 5, 2018
May God comfort you in your time of grief and you find the peace and strength you give everyone else you meet. God bless you
Aulanda Banks
December 5, 2018
Ms. Winfrey you and your family have my deepest condolences as well as you are all in my prayers for God's Love, Strength and Peace during your time of bereavement.
Pearl Hall
December 5, 2018
Ms. Oprah you and your family is in my prayers. May God continue to keep his
loving arms around you all.
Keep the faith. God loves you.
Vickie Edwards
December 5, 2018
My Deepest condolences goes out to the family at this time .May our loving Creator wraps his loving arms around you all.May your fondness memories of Vernita bring you joy and happiness fill your hearts.And the peace that surpasses all understanding give you a calmness to go on as the days goes by.May love and Support you recieve from family and friends give you strength.
Jw
December 5,2018
Marjorie Causey
December 4, 2018
"Gone from us, but leaving memories death can never take away, memories that will always linger while upon this earth we stay."
Verel Martin
December 4, 2018
May God's blessings be with Oprah and her family members as they cherish the memories of Mrs. Vernita Lee.
Eartha J. Corbitt
December 4, 2018
Oprah, my deepest sympathy in the demise of your dear Mother. Absent from the body, present with the Lord. God continue to bless you and family.
Audrey Flowers
December 4, 2018
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Oprah's Mom, Vernita Lee. I send my condolences to the entire family. Remembering your great loss on this day.
MARIE ROBERTSON PUGH
December 3, 2018
WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY REMEMBER EARTH HAS NO SORROW THAT HEAVEN CANNOT HEAL
Stephanie Schell
December 3, 2018
God be with your soul.
Stephanie Schell
December 3, 2018
My prayers are with Oprah and her family during this very difficult time.
Betty Armour
December 3, 2018
Deepest sympathy and condolences for the loss of your loved one. Death is never easy regardless of one's age and Psalms 90:10 shows how she lived a long life of special mightiness from God. Keep the many, many memories of your loved one close in your hearts and minds and cherish them forever. May the comfort of God be with you all during this time of grief.
December 3, 2018
To family and friends please except my sincere condolences for the loss of your dear family member. Please find comfort that soon death sorrow and pain suffering will be forever gone . Fsb Virginia.
Stracie Jones
December 3, 2018
Sending my deepest condolence to the family during your hour of bereavement.
patty gaulden
December 3, 2018
rip
Sandra Rodriguez
December 3, 2018
So very sorry for your lost. The hardest thing, is the lost of your mother. Remember you will always have your own angel in heaven watching over you. Prays for you and your family. May she Rest In Peace
December 3, 2018
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Thomas Javis
December 3, 2018
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Patricia & Larry Jackson
December 2, 2018
Ms. Oprah Winfrey and family our condolences to you and your family on the loss of your dear mother. May you find peace knowing she is resting in the Almighty arms. Blessings to you and your family.
Isaiah 26:19
December 2, 2018
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Sadie Harper-Scott
December 1, 2018
Oprah and Sister. You have our deepest condolences from the Lafayette/West Lafayette Indiana NAACP Branch #3056. Know that we all will hold you in the palm of his hand and know that mother is with the Lord. Continue to journey the joyful life you all had with mother. The Amazing work as her daughter made her feel very proud, so continue to be encouraged and we all will continue to keep you both lifted up in prayers!!! Be strong as God continue to order your steps!!!!
Sadie B. Harper-Scott
765-430-1418
We would love to have you with us on Dec 8th,2018 to pay special tribute to your mom at our NAACP Lafayette/West Lafayette Banquet @ The Trails, 325 Burnetts Road, West Lafayette In 47906
@5:30pm
Perdita Green
December 1, 2018
My condolences to Ms Oprah Winfrey and Family on your Mother's passing.
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot healed. May good memories of your Mother/Grandmother bring you comfort in the moments, days, months, and years ahead. Rest In Peace Eternally Vernita Lee. God loves You best! ✝
Glenda Havard
December 1, 2018
My prayers and thoughts are with you during your time of bereavement.
SPS
December 1, 2018
When someone we love falls asleep in death, we treasure the fond memories we have of them. May those cherished memories of a life well lived and God's promise at John 6:40 bring you a measure of comfort. Please accept my heart felt sympathy.
Earl E Smith
December 1, 2018
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Lois Ingram
December 1, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mary Patterson
December 1, 2018
I pray for God's peace and comfort for your family.
Love
Mary Patterson
December 1, 2018
TO THE FAMILY OF VERNITA LEE;
YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF YOUR DEAR LOVED ONE (MS. VERNITA LEE). WHEN SOMEONE YOU LOVE DIES THEY BECOME A MEMORY, AND THE MEMORY BECOMES A TREASURE. MAY YOU TREASURE MS. LEE'S MEMORY AND MAY YOU FIND COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED AWAY IN DEATH, GOD KEEPS IN HIS MEMORY BECAUSE, THEY ARE ALL PRECIOUS TO HIM. (PSALMS 116:15). IT IS MY SINCERE HOPE THAT THE LEE FAMILY FIND PEACE IN KNOWING THAT HE UNDERSTANDS YOUR GRIEF AND PAIN AND HE CARES FOR YOU. (2 PETER 5:6,7)
SINCERELY,
EDO, ILLINOIS
Deborah (Pope) Anderson & Family
December 1, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Valerie Stroy
December 1, 2018
My prayers are with you and your family. May God provides daily comfort and strength each as you continue life.
John Linzy Cobb Sr.
December 1, 2018
Sorry for your loss
Jennifer Futch
December 1, 2018
Sorry for lost pray thing are going pretty to made it though hard time in the name of Jesus Amen
November 30, 2018
My prayers of with the Lee family, in theirs time of bereavement
Artis.Ac.Hudson Sr
Macon ga.
Sheena
November 30, 2018
My prayers & condolences to Oprah Winfrey and her family. I have been inspired by you Miss Winfrey and you will be in my prayers. God has created a guardian angel to look after you and guide you. Your mom will always look over you.
~Sheena NY/CT/GA
November 30, 2018
My heart felt condolence go out to the Lee family. May the God of all comfort, comfort you in this time of great loss
Diane
November 30, 2018
Dearest Oprah,
We're sorry to hear of your Mother's passing especially around Thanksgiving. We've lost a love one too at this time years ago. The grief can be overwhelming. Life is short, but memories are forever.. May the fondest memories always be cherished and bless you with comfort and strength at this time.
Thinking and praying for you,
Simeon and Candace Hudson
THC
November 30, 2018
My sincere condolences to Oprah Winfrey and Family. May the Hearer of Prayer, who is also a God of Comfort, provide the needed support and strength during this difficult time. She is now resting in peace. May past precious memories provide comfort.
Kitty C
November 30, 2018
With deepest condolences to all of the Vernitas family friends and loved ones
may knowing that others care and share your sorrow at this sad time.
November 30, 2018
To the world she was a 'mother, to her
family, she was 'the world' ❤
Dr. Barbara Manousso
November 30, 2018
May her memory be eternal. Sorry for your loss.
Debbie Shirley
November 30, 2018
Dear Oprah, I was so sorry to hear about your mom. I lost mine years ago. It's hard during the holidays. May god be with you and your family during this difficult time. Love always Debbie Shirley
Gail Sims
November 30, 2018
Oprah,I know the feeling.I lost my mom on November 9,2018.so let's pray for each other's strength to endure.
Gloria Davis
November 30, 2018
What a lovely smile Mrs. Vernita Lee has. Thank you Mrs. Lee for sharing Oprah and her siblings with the entire world, for without you there would be no Oprah to love and care for people in this world. Oprah and Family, please continue to go forth and light the dark areas of this world, for your mother has completed her mission on this side of Heaven. Love each other closer than ever, because each one of you carries Mrs. Lee within yourselves. Trust God and lean not unto your own understanding.
Donell Brown
November 30, 2018
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. GOD BLESS
12027792516
Liz W
November 30, 2018
Dear Oprah and Family,
Im so sorry for the loss of your mom. I lost my mom a few months ago, too. She was 3 years older than your momma. It hurts in your heart the way nothing else does. The holidays will be difficult. Rely on knowing how much she loved you and that we will see our moms again one day!
Cheryl McClary
November 30, 2018
Oprah Im sorry for the lost off ur Mother. I dont know how it feels to loose a mother, but I lost my Grandmother last month and she was like a momma to me. MY God continue to bless you and ur family. Keep the faith.
Anthony Waters
November 30, 2018
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Jacqueline C. Kanipe
November 30, 2018
With heartfelt sympathy.
Minns Family
November 30, 2018
Words cannot express my sadness . For we are never ready to lose our mothers . May the comfort of God help you through this difficult time. Along with loving memories we hold in our hearts .
Della
November 30, 2018
Earth has no sorrow that God can't heal. May the happy memories bring you and your family comfort and peace.
Mitch Gray
November 29, 2018
I cannot begin to imagine your world and those in your world that held you dear that are now in sorriful mourn. I dont know your faith, your favorite color, best achievement or lowest moment. I do know that strong women create strong children. I do know that everytime a story about you is shared, your legacy impacts people and institutions that never made your personal aquaintance. My hope is that you felt purpose and love before you left us, and in the new realm you awake in you will think fondly on your time here, remembering we all have done the very best we knew how to do with the tools we had been given. Your contribution here may never be written of or heralded yet your contribution was important and has changed peope far and wide. Continue to travel safely, continue to find your purpose and never stop contributing. Being of service to others is the most important role your legacy here can build. ❤
November 29, 2018
My deepest condolences on the loss of your mother. May the God of comfort, comfort all family and friends and give you peace.
Clementine Rushing
November 29, 2018
Thank God for the women who has brought us one of the greatest ladies on the planet whose name is Oprah Winfrey.
WENDY Williams
November 29, 2018
My deepest condolences goes out to Oprah and her family and many Blessings.
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