Who was Shirley Williams? Wendy Williams' mother who died at 83 spent life bettering the community

She received 'Now Black Woman' award in 1988 for her participation in civic and religious organizations and her leadership role in educating local children
PUBLISHED DEC 7, 2020
Wendy Williams, Shirley Williams (Getty Images)
Wendy Williams, Shirley Williams (Getty Images)

Television host Wendy Williams's mother Shirley Williams has died at 83. The news regarding the demise of Shirly Williams was announced by a journalist, Courtney Brown, who claims that her grandmother and Shirley were best friends. 

She wrote on Instagram, "One of my granny’s best friends for 83 years passed away…Mrs. Shirley Williams Always available for my granny and our family, she flew in to share this beautiful speech at granny’s 100th birthday. Mr and Mrs Williams is truly what the kids now call #CoupleGoals. May she rest peacefully and prayers to @wendyshow and the entire family." The post is however unavailable now. 

Wendy hasn't made any comment so far and the actual reason for Shirley's death is yet to be determined. According to All About the Tea', a family friend said while remembering Shirley "I don’t know how to say this… Heaven Gained another Angel unfortunately Mrs. Shirley has passed away. She will definitely missed and one of a kind lady. Please pray for Wendy and her Family during the difficult time. Please respect the family privacy."

Who was Shirley Williams?

Shirley spent the majority of her life working towards the betterment of the community. She raised Wendy and her two siblings Wanda and Thomas in Ocean Township in New Jersey, where she first arrived in 1959. Besides working as a learning disabilities resource specialist at the Bradley School Asbury Park, she also contributed to society as a civic leader. 

She's said to have served in community organizations like the Monmouth County Council of Girl Scouts and the Central Jersey Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. Furthermore, she was a member of the historically Black sorority called Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Shirley was known among her friends and family as a busy bee. In an old interview, when asked how she finds time for her service, the civic leader said in response, "I guess my mother and father set the example for me. They showed me you can still be parents and also make an impact on your community."

She received 'Now Black Woman' award in 1988 for her participation in civic and religious organizations and her leadership role in educating local children. The award was presented to her by the Drifters Inc. Shirley is survived by her husband and three children.

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