Tyler Perry's Mother Dies

Tyler Perry announced to his fans today that his mother, Willie Maxine Perry who is said to be the inspiration behind Madea, passed away Tuesday. He made the announcement through his website and posted a picture of himself and his mother with a caption saying,

“Willie Maxine Perry- February 12, 1945 to December 8, 2009. Thank you for all your prayers.”

His mother was 64-years-old and a pre-school teacher in New Orleans for most of her life.

A cause of death has yet to be released.