A tribute written to Oprah’s Daily, Oprah’s lifestyle outlet, said Oprah was able to spend time with her father in Nashville during his final weeks.
On July 4, Vernon was surprised by a “Vernon Winfrey Appreciation Celebration” and a backyard barbecue, surrounded by friends and loved ones.
In an earlier post, Oprah said the ceremony was a way to give her father his “flowers while still being good enough to smell”.
During the celebration, Oprah’s friend and gospel singer Wintley Phipps sang to him. “He felt so loved and celebrated that he could no longer speak,” she wrote.
Vernon was a well-known barber in his community and served on the Nashville Metro Board for 16 years.
“Lifelong beer expert. General travel enthusiast. Social media buff. Zombie maven. Communicator.”