From Rags To Riches: The Life And Times Of Oprah

Poverty And Potato Sack Dresses

Oprah Winfrey / Facebook

After her birth, Vernita struggled to care for Oprah on her own, so they traveled north to live with her maternal grandmother, Hattie Mae Lee. Oprah recalls Hattie as being the most encouraging and supportive figure in her young life. Hattie taught Oprah to read by the age of three, and by age six Oprah was known as “The Preacher” in her town because she could recite Bible verses.

Despite the love and support received from Hattie, the three lived in extreme rural poverty. Oprah often only had dresses made from old potato sacks to wear, which many other children made fun of her for. At that moment, who would have guessed one day she’d be giving away cars? While rural life was hard, the next few years would prove to be even worse.