Practice News Story #5- Obituary

Posted: Feb. 15, 2008, 10:20 p.m.
Oprah Winfrey Dies in Crowd of Excited Fans
CHICAGO-
Oprah Winfrey, 54, died on Thursday Feb. 14, 2008. Oprah was leaving Harpo Studios around 3:30 p.m. after filming an episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show to drive home when a crowd of excited fans surrounded her and mauled her to death. Oprah was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, on Jan. 29, 1954 to Vernita Lee and Vernon Winfrey.
Oprah Winfrey was one of the most respected and admired public figures. Oprah created an unparalleled connection with people around the world. Oprah not only entertained but she enlightened and uplifted millions. Oprah was a motivation to all- she encouraged people to use their lives to make a difference in the lives of others. Oprah lived everyday to the fullest, she was always striving to help someone else in need. Oprah was a genuine, caring, gifted woman.
Oprah believed that education was the door to freedom. She established the Oprah Winfrey Foundation which has awarded hundreds of grants to organizations that support the education and empowerment of women, children and families in the United States and around the world. Oprah received innumerous honors and awards recognizing her extraordinary achievements and contributions. Oprah’s awards range from the 2007 Humanitarian Award from the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity to the National Freedom Award in 2005. Oprah has been named on Time magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential People for the past four years. Oprah created the “Oprah Bill” that was signed into law by Bill Clinton in 1993, this bill established a national database of convicted child abusers.
Oprah is survived by her partner and friend Stedman Graham; friend Gayle King; two Cocker Spaniels, Sophie and Solomon; two Golden Retrievers, Luke and Layla. Oprah is preceded in death by her mother, Vernita Lee; father, Vernon Winfrey; and her grandmother, Hattie Mae Presley.
“The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you’re willing to work.” Oprah exemplified this in her own life. She was a hard worker and achieved so much because she was self-determined and dedicated to accomplish her goals. Her legacy will live on forever.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The funeral services will be held on Wednesday Feb. 20 at the McCormick Place in Chicago, Illionois. Friends and family have asked that in lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Oprah Winfrey Foundation.