Washington: Oprah’s father and former Metro Nashville council member Vernon Winfrey died Friday at the age of 89 after a brief illness.
Oprah Winfrey confirmed her father’s death in an Instagram statement, sharing a recent video of Vernon Winfrey at an Independence Day backyard barbecue at their home. Vernon was honored along with his friends and family by gospel singer Wintle Phipps, who performed a song for him.
On his Instagram handle, he posted the video with a short caption that read, “Vernon Winfrey 1933-2022, less than a week ago we honored our father in his own backyard. My friend and gospel singer Wintley Phipps saluted him with the song. He felt the love and rejoiced until he could no longer speak. With the family around his bed yesterday, I got to see the man responsible for my life Got his last breath. We could feel the peace in the room. His passing. That peace still prevails. All is well. Thank you for your prayers and good thoughts.”
Vernon Winfrey was born in 1933 and served on Metro Nashville Council for 16 years. He was also a well-known barber in his community, having run a barbershop in East Nashville for more than 50 years.
Oprah Winfrey’s mother Vernita Lee passed away in 2018 at the age of 83. Lee Winfrey and Vernon Winfrey never married.