Wendy Williams Parents: Meet Mother Shirley Williams & Father Thomas Williams Sr. | Family Tree
Wendy Williams is one of the most popular and controversial talk show hosts in America. She is known for her outspoken and often provocative opinions on celebrities, pop culture, and current events. But what do we know about her family background and roots?
Who are Wendy Williams’ parents and where did they come from? How did they influence her personality and career? In this article, we will explore the family tree of Wendy and meet her mother Shirley Williams and father Thomas Williams Sr., who played a significant role in her life.
Williams’ Mother: Shirley Williams
Shirley Williams was born on May 3, 1936, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. She was the daughter of Pearl and David Skinner, who were both educators. Shirley grew up in a loving and supportive family, where she developed a passion for reading, music, and art. She graduated from Elizabeth City State University with a degree in education and became a teacher herself.
Shirley met Thomas Williams Sr. at a dance in New Jersey, where he was stationed as an air force officer. They fell in love and got married in 1959. They had three children: Wendy, Wanda, and Thomas Jr. Shirley was a devoted and caring mother, who instilled in her children the values of hard work, education, and self-respect. She also encouraged them to pursue their dreams and talents, especially Wendy, who showed an early interest in radio and entertainment.
Shirley was very close to Wendy and often appeared on her talk show as a guest. She was proud of her daughter’s achievements and supported her through her ups and downs. She was also a fashion icon, who loved to dress up and accessorize. She had a collection of over 200 wigs, which she donated to the American Cancer Society after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She fought the disease bravely and survived.
Shirley passed away on December 5, 2020, at the age of 84, after a long illness. Wendy announced her death on her show and paid tribute to her mother, saying: “She was the best mother, the best girlfriend, that a girl could ever have. And I feel fortunate that I had her in my life all of my 56 years.”
Wendy Williams Mom, Dad
| Name | Wendy Joan Williams |
|---|---|
| Birth date | July 18, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Asbury Park, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Other names | Wendy Williams Hunter |
| Education | Northeastern University (BA) |
| Occupations | Broadcaster, media personality, writer |
| Years active | 1986–2023 |
| Television | The Wendy Williams Experience, The Wendy Williams Show, Wendy Williams: What a Mess! |
| Spouses | Bert Girigorie (m. 1994; div. 1995), Kevin Hunter (m. 1999; div. 2020) |
| Children | 1 (Kevin Hunter Jr.) |
| Parents | Shirley Williams (mother), Thomas Williams Sr. (father) |
| Siblings | Wanda Williams (sister), Thomas Williams Jr. (brother) |
| Wikipedia | @Wendy_Williams |
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Wendy’s Father: Thomas Williams Sr.
Thomas Williams Sr. was born on June 18, 1934, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He was the son of Lula and James Williams, who were farmers. Thomas grew up in a humble and hardworking family, where he learned the importance of discipline, responsibility, and service. He joined the air force after high school and served for 30 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was also a civil engineer and a college professor.
Thomas met Shirley Skinner at a dance in New Jersey, where he was stationed as an air force officer. They fell in love and got married in 1959. They had three children: Wendy, Wanda, and Thomas Jr. Thomas was a strict and protective father, who wanted the best for his children. He was especially concerned about Wendy, who was rebellious and outspoken as a teenager. He often clashed with her over her choices and behavior, but he also loved her and supported her career.
Thomas was very proud of Wendy and often praised her on social media. He was also a fan of her talk show and watched it every day. He was heartbroken by the death of his wife Shirley, whom he called his “soulmate”. He expressed his grief and gratitude on Instagram, saying: “I miss you so much. You were my everything. Thank you for your love and support. You made me a better man.”
Thomas is still alive and well, at the age of 86. He lives in Florida, where he enjoys playing golf and spending time with his grandchildren. He has a good relationship with Wendy and often calls her to check on her. He is also active on social media, where he posts pictures and videos of his family and friends.
Wendy Williams’ Family Tree
Williams has a large and diverse family tree, that includes ancestors from different ethnicities and backgrounds. According to her DNA test results, she is 87% African, 7% European, 3% Native American, 2% Asian, and 1% Pacific Islander. She also has some Jewish and Middle Eastern ancestry.
Williams’ paternal grandparents were Lula and James Williams, who were farmers in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. They had eight children, including Thomas Williams Sr., Wendy’s father. Wendy Williams’ paternal great-grandparents were Mary and Henry Williams, who were also farmers in Rocky Mount. They had 10 children, including James Williams, Wendy’s paternal grandfather.
Williams’ maternal grandparents were Pearl and David Skinner, who were both educators in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. They had four children, including Shirley Skinner, Wendy’s mother. Her maternal great-grandparents were Annie and John Skinner, who were also educators in Elizabeth City. They had six children, including David Skinner, Wendy’s maternal grandfather.
Williams has two siblings: Wanda Williams and Thomas Williams Jr. Wanda is the eldest and works as a social worker. She is married and has two children. Thomas is the youngest and works as a podiatrist. He is also married and has two children. Wendy has four nieces and nephews: Travis, Alex, Thomas III, and Shauntel.
Williams has been married twice and divorced twice. Her first husband was Bert Girigorie, whom she married in 1994 and divorced in 1995. Her second husband was Kevin Hunter, whom she married in 1997 and divorced in 2019. She has one son with Kevin Hunter: Kevin Hunter Jr., who was born in 2000. He is currently a college student and aspiring rapper.
Wendy Williams is currently single and happy. She is focused on her talk show, her health, and her happiness. She is also close to her family and friends, who support her and love her unconditionally. She is grateful for her life and her legacy, saying: “I’m living proof that you can come out on the other side and be a better person.”
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