Hundreds gather to mourn Vernon Winfrey

Madalyn Hoerr, Nashville Tennessean
·1 min read
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Happy Friday! Thanks for starting your day with me. This is Tennessean Planning Director Madalyn Hoerr.

Vernon Winfrey, a former Metro council member and longtime Nashville business owner, died last Friday, surrounded by loved ones, at age 89.

His many supporters returned Thursday to celebrate his life at a funeral service at Temple Church.

Vernon, a longtime barber shop owner, helped to preserve the Cleveland Park neighborhood of East Nashville. He served on the Metro Council from 1975-1991. He also served as a charter member of Faith United Missionary Baptist Church and a deacon for 45 years.

Oprah Winfrey greets family friend Ludye Wallace after the funeral for Vernon Winfrey, her father, at Temple Church in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, July 14, 2022. Winfrey, former Nashville Metro councilman and Oprah Winfrey's father, died July 8th.
Oprah Winfrey greets family friend Ludye Wallace after the funeral for Vernon Winfrey, her father, at Temple Church in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, July 14, 2022. Winfrey, former Nashville Metro councilman and Oprah Winfrey's father, died July 8th.

Breaking news reporter Molly Davis shares a scene from outside of the service:

Vernon Winfrey's longtime friend, Ludye Wallace, stood in the summer sun, speaking to a visitor as funeral attendants flowed out of The Temple Church.

Suddenly, Wallace recognized a familiar voice. 

"Mr. Wallace!"

He hustled to the side of a black SUV and held the hand of Winfrey's daughter. She smiled. A tear rolled down his cheek as he did the same. 

See photos from Tennessean photojournalists Andrew Nelles and Abbey Cutrer and read more from Molly here.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Hundreds gather to mourn Vernon Winfrey