Oprah Winfrey‘s mother, Vernita Lee, has passed away at the age of 83. Oprah’s niece Alisha Hayes announced that Lee passed away on Thanksgiving day from a yet-unnamed cause. Green was born in segregated Mississippi in 1935 and gave birth to Oprah 19 years later. It’s been well-publicized that Oprah and her mother had a strained relationship due to the long lapse in time they spend together. Green moved to Milwaukee shortly after Oprah’s birth and baby O was raised by her grandmother.

Despite that Lee and her daughter made amends back in the early 90s and made an appearance on Oprah’s talk show. Vernita is survived by Oprah and Patricia Amanda Faye Lee and grandchildren Alisha Hayes, Chrishaunda Lee Perez, Aquarius Lofton and Andre Brown, as well as great-grandchildren Jaxon Praise Perez, Chai Theresa Perez, Donovan Hayes and Trinity Hayes.

A funeral has already been held, may she Rest in peace

Thoughts and prayers to the entire family.