Vanessa Williams pays tribute to mom Helen after she succumbs to acute liver failure: 'Lost a powerhouse'
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Vanessa Williams has shared some devastating news: her beloved mother Helen Williams has died.
The 'Ugly Betty' star took to Instagram on Thursday, January 2 to let her followers know that Helen died on December 28, just a few weeks after celebrating her 85th birthday surrounded by family and friends.
“On December 28th, the world lost a powerhouse, dynamo, and force of nature packed into a 5ft frame,” Vanessa wrote. “Our mom, Helen Williams, aka Gaga to many, took her final bow in London 20 days after celebrating her 85th birthday surrounded by family and friends.”
Helen Williams: From trailblazer to mother of a trailblazer
If you’ve ever heard Vanessa Williams talk about her mom, you know Helen Williams was something special. She was sharp, driven, and didn’t take nonsense from anyone. Vanessa’s tribute perfectly captured Helen’s larger-than-life personality.
“It’s impossible to describe all she meant to everyone because each person saw a different facet of her,” Vanessa wrote and added, “Loyal friend to many, icy stares to a chosen few. We will miss it all.” Helen succumbed to complications of acute liver failure, Vanessa explained.
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Helen was no ordinary woman. Born on December 8, 1939, in Buffalo, New York, she was a trailblazer long before the term became popular. At just 16, she became the youngest Black student at the State University of New York at Fredonia. Years later her daughter Vanessa followed in her footsteps, making history as the first Black woman to be crowned Miss America in 1984.
Helen spent over 40 years working in education, shaping young minds in the Ossining and Manhattanville School Districts. She also taught at Manhattanville College, where she became a mentor to countless students.
Her advice to them was simple yet powerful: “Work the best you can and don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot do something—ever! Make up your mind, prepare yourself, study hard, and be very, very confident.”
And let’s not forget her love of music. Helen was an accomplished pianist who taught private lessons, performed at recitals, and directed choirs. Even after retiring in 1996, she stayed involved in music, proving her passion knew no bounds.
What's more? Helen was also a writer. In 2012, she teamed up with Vanessa and Irene Surtell to co-author 'You Have No Idea: A Famous Daughter, Her No-Nonsense Mother, and How They Survived Pageants, Hollywood, Love, Loss (and Each Other)'.
She also gave back in big ways. Helen worked with inmates at the Bedford Women’s Correction Facility and even established the Helen Tinch Williams Scholarship at SUNY in 2017.
A bittersweet farewell to Helen Williams in London
Helen Williams’s last big adventure was traveling to London earlier in December to celebrate her 85th birthday and cheer on Vanessa, who’s starring as Miranda Priestly in the new musical adaptation of 'The Devil Wears Prada'.
The birthday bash was a full-on celebration with 150 friends and family members. But during her time overseas, Helen’s health took a turn for the worse.
“During her visit, she suffered a major decline in health which ended her life,” her obituary read.
Vanessa is understandably taking a step back from her Broadway role to grieve.
“Due to a sudden loss in her family, Vanessa Williams will not be appearing from Wednesday 8th to Wednesday 15th January,” the musical’s Instagram page announced. “During this time, the role of Miranda Priestly will be played by Debbie Kurup. Vanessa will return to The Devil Wears Prada from Thursday 16th January.”
Helen’s life touched so many people. From her work in education and music to her advocacy and support for her family, she left an indelible mark.
She is survived by her brother Federick Tinch, her children Vanessa and Chris Williams, her four grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, according to People.
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