The family, friends and famous admirers of United States author and activist Maya Angelou have held a private memorial service in her honour in North Carolina.
Mourners leave Wait Chapel at the conclusion of the Maya Angelou Memorial Service. Photo: AFP
American First Lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton and media mogul Oprah Winfrey were among the speakers.
Mrs Obama said her words sustained her through life, carrying "a little black girl from the South Side of Chicago all the way to the White House".
Winfrey, who knew the poet and writer well, said she was overwhelmed by the loss.
"I cannot describe. It's like something I have never felt before.
"She was my spiritual queen mother, in everything that that word implies.
"She was the ultimate teacher. She taught me the poetry of courage and respect."
