The Williams family is mourning a monumental loss this week. Thomas Williams, the father of media icon Wendy Williams, has passed away at the age of 94.
The news was confirmed on Sunday by Wendy’s niece, journalist Alex Finnie, who took to social media to celebrate the life of her grandfather.
In a moving Instagram post featuring a montage of cherished family moments, Finnie reflected on the decades of impact Thomas left behind.
“It is with an extremely heavy heart that I share — after 94 years of extraordinary love, strength, brilliance, and wisdom, my grandfather Thomas D. Williams has passed,” she wrote.
Thomas was far more than just a famous father; he was a respected figure in his own right, known for his dedication to education and history. His granddaughter highlighted these qualities, noting that his influence extended well beyond the family circle.
“My grandfather was truly a man of great intellect — an author, educator, and keeper of historical facts,” Alex Finnie shared in her tribute. Papa poured into both family and community. I miss him tremendously. I’m a little lost for words right now, but I love you endlessly, Papa. Give Nana a kiss for me.”
The passing of Thomas comes nearly six years after the death of his wife, Shirley Williams, who died in 2020 at the age of 85. Now, the family can find comfort in the idea of the couple being reunited. As Finnie noted in her post, “I know he is in heaven with Nana, watching over our family and continuing to guide us as he always has.”
The loss is a significant chapter for the family, as Thomas had recently celebrated his 94th birthday with Wendy and other relatives by his side.
Alex Finnie closed her heartfelt message with a simple promise of devotion: “I’ll be loving you always.”
View this post on Instagram
