Key Takeaways:
- Thomas Williams Sr., father of media personality Wendy Williams, passed away at 94.
- His granddaughter, Alex Finnie, announced his passing and shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
- Williams Sr. was a distinguished educator, author, and community historian in New Jersey.
Thomas Williams Sr., the beloved father of renowned media personality Wendy Williams, has passed away at the age of 94. The news was confirmed by his granddaughter, journalist Alex Finnie, who shared a poignant tribute on Instagram on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Williams Sr.'s passing occurred just a week before his 95th birthday.
Finnie's tribute included a montage of cherished family photographs, set to Stevie Wonder's
“As.” In her heartfelt caption, Finnie wrote, “I’ll be loving you always ❤️🕊️🙏🏾. 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. I know he is in heaven with Nana, watching over our family and continuing to guide us as he always has.” [1]
She further described her grandfather as “truly a man of great intellect — an author, educator and keeper of historical facts. Papa poured into both family and community.” Finnie concluded her emotional message, stating, “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 ❤️.” [1]
Thomas D. Williams Sr. was a trailblazing figure in education, notably becoming one of the first Black school principals in New Jersey in 1969, at the former River Street School in Red Bank. [2] He dedicated years to the Ocean Township school system, where he taught and coached from 1952 until his retirement in 1989. [3] His commitment extended beyond the classroom, as he was also recognized as an author and community historian, actively contributing to various organizations, including the Board of the Monmouth County Historical Association. [3]
Williams Sr. was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Williams, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 85. Wendy Williams had previously confirmed her mother’s passing on The Wendy Williams Show, noting she died “beautifully and peacefully” surrounded by “love.” [1]
The news of his passing comes as Wendy Williams, 61, continues to navigate a court-ordered guardianship that was established in 2022. [1] In January 2025, Williams expressed concerns about her ability to visit her father for his 94th birthday, stating, “My dad is going to be 94 next month. I don’t know if I’m able to fly to Miami to say happy birthday to my dad.” [1] The guardianship was upheld in August 2025 following a medical examination. [1]
- From @thewendyarchive (Fan archive account with a respectful tribute)
- Content snippet: "Thomas D. Williams, father of Wendy Williams, has passed away at 94. A beloved educator and the first Black school administrator in Red Bank, NJ, he was deeply loved by his family. Please keep Wendy and her loved ones in your thoughts. Rest in peace. #WendyWilliams"
- Includes a photo (likely family or memorial image).
- This one highlights his legacy and includes a call for thoughts/prayers—perfect for a heartfelt post.
- Embed this for a touching, community-focused angle.
- From @mymixtapez (High-engagement breaking news post from yesterday, still trending)
- Content: "Wendy Williams’ dad, Thomas, has sadly passed away at 94, a week before his 95th birthday He was one of the first Black people to become a school principal in New Jersey in 1969."
- Has massive likes/reposts (over 19k likes) and includes a photo.
- Great for showing the widespread shock and respect for his accomplishments.
- Condolence reply under @mymixtapez (from @M_Heidi1127)
- Content: "My deepest condolences to Wendy Williams on the passing of her father. It sounds like he lived a long and meaningful life full of love and accomplishments. I’m thinking of Wendy during this very difficult time and hoping she’s finding strength and comfort."
- This adds a personal, empathetic touch—ideal if you want to include fan reactions.
- From @people (Official People magazine account)
- Content: "Wendy Williams’ Father Thomas Williams Dies at 94 amid Her Guardianship Battle" with link to full article.
- Verified source with solid engagement—use this for credibility and to link to more details.
- From @DailyMailCeleb (Daily Mail's celeb account)
- Content: "Wendy Williams' father Thomas dies at 94 amid her guardianship battle" with article link.
- Ties in the ongoing family context, which many posts mention.
- From @theshaderoom (or similar outlets referencing the niece's tribute)
- Many posts reference Alex Finnie's Instagram tribute (with Stevie Wonder's "As" and family photos). If you're cross-posting, mention: "Wendy's niece Alex Finnie shared a moving tribute: 'After 94 years of extraordinary love, strength, brilliance, and wisdom, my grandfather Thomas D. Williams has passed... I love you endlessly Papa.'"
Sources:
[1] Thomas Williams Dead: Wendy Williams’ Father Was 94 - People.com
[2] Thomas Williams was the first Black principal at the former River Street School in Red Bank in 1969. - Asbury Park Press Facebook
[3] Remembering Mr. Thomas D. Williams Sr., father of Wendy Williams, who has passed away - Unheard Voices Magazine Facebook