VANESSA Williams has confirmed her mother has died whilst visiting London to watch her perform.
The actress, who is currently starring as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, revealed the sad news as she detailed her mother’s ‘major decline in health’.
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Sharing a statement to her Instagram with the sad news, she told fans: “On December 28th, the world lost a powerhouse, dynamo and force of nature packed into a 5ft frame.
“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.
“It’s impossible to describe all she meant to everyone because each person saw a different facet of her. Loyal friend to many, icy stares to a chosen few.”
She then shared some memories of her mother.
The star’s post has been flooded with support from fans, as one wrote: “Truly Sorry For Your Loss.”
Another shared: “Thinking of you and sending so much love.”
“Many prayers for your family at this difficult time! May she rest in peace.,” said a third.
Another posted: “Vanessa, what a beautiful, BEAUTIFUL WOMAN. Always a RAY OF SUNSHINE. Our whole family is here for you and the family. Helen was such a beauty! We are so blessed to have known her. Love to everyone.”
Singer Leona Lewis also joined the comments as she shared: “So deeply sorry for your loss. Sending much love and light.”
Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts also posted, writing: “I remember you talking about her with such love. Sending you all my love and prayers.”
Alongside the post, Vanessa shared an obituary detailing Helen’s life before her death at 85.
She described how her mother Helen had been a vocal music educator for four decades in the Ossining and Manhattanville School Districts, as well as a professor at Manhattanville College.
Helen had two children, Vanessa and her brother Christopher – who is also an actor.
The mother of two retired in 1996, with Vanessa adding that her mother’s mantra was “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.”
In 2012 Vanessa and her mother co-authored a book together, titled ‘You Have No Idea: A Famous Daughter, Her No-nonsense Mother, and How They Survived Pageants, Hollywood, Love, Loss’.
Helen is survived by her two children, four grandchildren via Vanessa and one great grandson, as well as nieces and nephews.
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