Movie mogul Tyler Perry is mourning the death of his mother - who passed away on Tuesday (08Dec09) at age 64.

Willie Maxine Perry's death was announced by the Madea Goes to Jail filmmaker on his website, where he posted a picture of himself and his mother, writing simply: "Thank you for all your prayers."

Perry did not mention the cause of death.

The matriarch was a preschool teacher who worked at the New Orleans Jewish Community Center for most of her life. Perry has credited her as the basis for his outlandish Madea movie character.

A spokesperson for Perry had not responded to requests for comment as WENN went to press. (JMA/WNWA/IG)

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