Vesta Williams

Vesta Williams

Vesta Williams Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 23, 2011.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) - Big-voiced R&B diva Vesta Williams, perhaps best-known for her 1980s hits "Don't Blow A Good Thing" and "Congratulations," has been found dead of a possible drug overdose in a Southern California hotel room, coroner's investigators said Friday. She was 53.

Williams was found dead at 6:15 p.m. Thursday in an El Segundo hotel room, Los Angeles County coroner's Capt. John Kades (KAY'-dihs) said.

An autopsy will determine the cause of death. A toxicology examination will take six weeks to be completed, Kades said.

Born Mary Vesta Williams on Dec. 1, 1957, to a disc jockey in Coshocton, Ohio, she had hits with "Once Bitten Twice Shy," ''Sweet, Sweet Love" and the torch song "Congratulations," where she emotionally bids goodbye to her ex, about to marry someone else, on his wedding day.

Williams also appeared in movies and on television.

She was a saloon singer in the Mario Van Peebles movie "Posse" and sh e had a recurring role on the television situation comedy "Sister, Sister," playing actress Jackee Harry's best friend Monica.

Harry tweeted her condolences: "...just received truly devastating news: R&B great, and my friend of many yrs, Vesta Williams ((at)vesta4u), has passed away. (hash)RIPVesta"

Williams diminutive frame belied her powerful, soulful pipes. Her initial success in the music industry came as a background singer for artists ranging from Chaka Khan, Anita Baker and Sting. But she would eventually establish her career with release of her first album, "Vesta," in 1986.

Over the years, she had hits including "Once Bitten Twice Shy," ''Sweet, Sweet Love" and her signature torch song "Congratulations."

Williams continued to make albums, and was a regular performer on the concert circuit.

She was supposed to perform at the 21st annual "DIVAS Simply Singing!" in Los Angeles next month, put on Ralph. The Oct. 22 show will now pay trib ute to her and another late soul singer, Teena Marie.

"She was really excited about doing divas," her friend and fellow entertainer Sheryl Lee Ralph told The Associated Press, adding Williams was also scheduled to be the subject of a TVOne "Unsung" episode.

The 5-foot-3 entertainer gained weight in the 1990s, ballooning to a size 26. She went on a dramatic weight loss program, losing 100 pounds and getting down to a size 6.

She told Ebony magazine that she began gaining weight rapidly after her singing career started to falter. She blamed her size for loss of her recording contract.

"When I lost my record deal and my phone wasn't ringing, I realized that I had to reassess who Vesta was and figure out what was going wrong," she said. "I knew it wasn't my singing ability. So it had to be that I was expendable because I didn't have the right look."

She went on to become an advocate for the prevention of childhood obesity and juvenile diabetes.

Last year, she released a song on iTunes. In an interview last December with Egypt Thompson on the Web show "The Couch," she said she was blessed.

"She had just become such a brand new person," Ralph said. "This is very hard, this is very hard."

Ralph said Williams is survived by an adult daughter.




Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press

Sign Vesta Williams's Guest Book

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October 10, 2024

Teresa posted to the memorial.

January 3, 2024

Hildy Joe posted to the memorial.

July 28, 2023

Hildy posted to the memorial.

642 Entries

Teresa

October 10, 2024

I just found her song..never had known of her but the song led me here to this great person and anointed voice for the first time in 2024...praying for her daughter and family ...SHE HAD A GIFTED VOICE TEARS...

Hildy Joe

January 3, 2024

I lived down the street from her grandmother . Me Ma on Victoria Ave. I spent many a night with her and her sisters, her dad Hugh was very nice gentleman. I used to watch the 4 M´s sing .
Hildy vetmedjoe@ gmail.Com . MeMa helped me with my first paper mache art project for school.

Hildy

July 28, 2023

MAry Vesta 's grandmother , Mema lived doen the street from me. She helped me in school art projects. I actually knew all 4 sisters. you guys please contact me, Hildy. I lived on Victoria and would spend the night at Mema's [email protected]

Latesa

July 26, 2023

OMG
MS.VESTA WILLIAMS Was my go to music when I lost a love in my life
She will be truly missed
Congratulations on earning your wings GOD opened his arms for you

Kimberly Boone

March 31, 2020

I miss you so much you are not a forgotten diva

Pamela Williams

January 9, 2020

May Vesta rest in God's eternal resting place and my condolences to her family.

April 20, 2019

Beautiful Songbird

Norman Miller

February 8, 2019

I Will Vesta For All of Eternity. Rest In Power My Queen

CATHERINE REED

January 19, 2019

She Was a wonderful person and singer

Kisa and Stacey Johnson

April 8, 2018

Heaven has gained a beautiful angel with a beautiful voice. She will be missed.
RIH.....Vesta

Chyrisse Kerley

December 11, 2017

Love your beautiful voice! You are now singing in the heavenly choir!

Dontae Branch

September 13, 2017

It killed me so bad when I caught wind that you passed on. You are in God's care now. Enjoy heaven, beautiful. :. (

Jemiel Morgan

September 7, 2017

I will never for get how beautiful and confident u are.girl and that voice.i will always love you.

Patricia Dones

September 4, 2017

I love her music. Listening to it right now. Unsung legend. Beautiful voice. Just takes you back to an old memory, feeling, something special you once had. May her music live on.

Gregory Spokes

July 30, 2017

Trish Thomas

March 26, 2017

REST In PEACE....U Were A,Wonderful Vocalist and A Pretty lady! Very HUMBLE person!!!

Derrick Davenport

March 17, 2017

Don't blow a good thing powerful voice heavens voices just got a little stronger

Dwayne Bickham,Sr.

September 25, 2016

In God's care, rest in peace.

July 24, 2016

When herd of your passing, my Heart stopped, I think...Fell in love with"Congratulations"...your memory lives on...Sweet, Sweet lady....

Valenda Newell

June 28, 2016

A beautiful lady with a powerhouse voice, I'm missing all that talent it just doesn't exit nowadays. One can relax now one is being cared for...LOVE and PEACE

Veronder Lennon

May 11, 2016

Rest in paradise Vesta, I loved your music and will always remember your voice on Congratulations...

Karlos Lawrence

February 20, 2016

One of the most beautiful women in the world ! She looked like my wife ! Awesome voice too ! RIP BABY GIRL !

Sharon Fielder

February 5, 2016

I love you Vesta. Young. Baby face. Sfielder

neicy ali

February 2, 2016

rest in peace pretty lady love the song congratulations
neicy from nj

Margaret Owens

August 24, 2015

R.I.P. God Bless, One of the Greatest Singers ever!

LaTrecia Smith

May 7, 2015

R.I.P
The Heavenly gates opened and welcomed a great sanger with such a heavenly voice.
You were truly 1 of a kind

Azizi Hardwick-Toney

November 4, 2014

Remembering you...

Benjamin smith

October 6, 2014

r.i.p,vesta you was one of my favorite women singer,I love your hit song congratulations that's my favorite I still listen to it every day, that's a good wedding song, much love for you, much love for your family,I hate you gone but I got your music in my heart forever,may God bless you where ever you at I always will love you

Ruezalia Powell

August 19, 2014

She was one of my all time favorite singers I will miss her. RIP

Thomas H Riley

August 1, 2014

PEACE UNTO U ALWAY.

Thomas H Riley

June 1, 2014

Alway love,respect and peace 4u. Miss ms Williams.

renee Carroll

May 11, 2014

I love vesta williams, I listen to her songs all the time. I especially love the song, special, she was a beautiful lady. God bless

Shirley JACKSON

April 22, 2014

Shirley JACKSON from San Francisco CALIFORNIA may you rest in peace heaven is waiting for you.and your golden voice

Thomas H Riley

April 10, 2014

One word free us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love. Rest In Peace Ms Vesta Williams.

janet howard

April 10, 2014

An angel will be missed

patty kendall

March 31, 2014

Rip Vesta Love U

shelly kincaid

March 14, 2014

Gods angel has arrived

shelly kincaid

March 14, 2014

Gods angel has la did rip

Joe Williams

February 12, 2014

I saw Vesta a few years ago at a place in Ontario, California. At that time the owner of the Jazz Cafe by the name of Benny produce the wonderful concert. I purchased Vesta's album and got a chance to talk to her for a few minutes and she autographed her album a for me.
I didn't realize that I knew her when we were little kids until I saw Unsung. Vesta moved on my street when I was a little kid. Her dad was on KGFJ radio news by the name of Hugh Williams. Vesta's name was Mary and she had two sisters named Margaret and the babies nickname was Peedee (unsure of the spelling). They had a nice mom who asked me and my best friend Phillip to go to the store for milk. We would visit and read stories and help babysit. Hugh became the first black news anchor. The family stayed a few years and returned to their original point of origin which I believe was Ohio. God Bless Vesta and her wonderful family. I enjoyed her great singing.

Elizabeth Williams

December 27, 2013

REST IN PARADISE!!! VESTA YOU ARE GREATLY MISSED. MY PRAYER GOES OUT TO YOUR LOVING FAMILY.. BLESSINGS.

Tonya Burns

November 18, 2013

I remember your music from high school....Congradulations...and sweet sweet love....you were so amazing....I still listen to your music Today, what a beautiful voice! You will be greatly missed! R.I.P

kalie wilkerson

September 14, 2013

om mt god i think about u all
times im playing ur music.
all can say we lost another real r&b singer to early!

Savannah Johnson

May 25, 2013

Rip vesta.

Artelia Grant

May 2, 2013

I am just finding out she has pass away, I was really surprise, she was a pretty young ladie that could really sing. My prayers go out to her family.

Terri Phillips

April 28, 2013

R.i.p. Vesta God,needed you more your with him now no more pains of this world...you earned your wings now angel...

THOMAS H RILEY

February 14, 2013

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY MS WILLIAMS. R.I.P

THOMAS H RILEY

February 14, 2013

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY MS WILLIAMS R.I.P

THOMAS H RILEY

February 11, 2013

Miss you black woman.

violet jenkins

January 27, 2013

Vesta you will always be such an amazing and powerful singer i know you are singing and rejoicing in heaven r.i.p vesta

THOMAS H RILEY

January 20, 2013

Rest AND PEACE "VESTA"

Dora Balfour-Lyda

October 10, 2012

Love ur songs and that voice,oh my God! RIP Ms Vesta

Scott Chamberland

September 22, 2012

Rest in Peace

Still cant believe ur gone

ARCHIE ONEAL

July 20, 2012

July 20, 2012

My favorite song by u is Congratulation when i heard that one it made me take notice of ur other songs i watch the video to that one all the time u sing it with so much feeling it stays with me rest in peace and thanx for sharing that beautiful song.

Mary Kanada

July 19, 2012

With deepest condolences.


John 11: 1-44

May 22, 2012

Cuz Punkin and Red is missing you Vesta! Listen to your music everyday and look at our pictures of us all the time! R.I.P.

Cora Beacham

March 30, 2012

I loved Vesta. She was truly an inspiration to me and my passion for singing. I'll miss her dearly, but know she'll always be there with me when I sing. I'll see you again one day my sister, but until then sing loud and proud for our LORD OUR GOD in Heaven.

elisha perry-abdullah

March 23, 2012

Rest In Peace Ms. Vesta. I grew up listening to ur music and I will keep on listening to it.

Jamie Lockett

February 29, 2012

My prayers are with Ms Vesta's family. Only a little girl listening to her music ,I though she was an amazing singer and she will be greatly missed.

yvette johnson

February 16, 2012

While working at KACE RADIO and working with Roland Wirt in Los Angeles I had the opportunity to meet Vesta on Many occasions and embrace her voice.. I love your music and your whimsical personality... A great voice will be missed.. you will always live in our hearts! God rest your soul!

Carolyn Bell

February 13, 2012

May GOD Be with your family, I am so sorry, I just found out about Ms. Vesta's death. Ms. Vesta was my girl, I used to sing all of her songs... Sing your songs Ms Vesta, tell your jokes, for heaven will be forever greatly entertained! RIP.

Alicia Griffin

February 5, 2012

I was young girl when I heard your music. One of my favorite songs was sweet sweet love. You will b miss never forgotten. You're at peace!

Carolyn Overton

January 24, 2012

I love you Vesta, our Lord has you now for sure, what a great choir there is waiting for those you left behind! My prayers go out to the Williams family.

Leticia M. Harmon

January 18, 2012

I remember when your journey began here on earth...you now can smile that beautiful smile and say.....

Kimberlyn Jefferson

January 10, 2012

Rest peaceflly Vesta! You ARE GOD's property!

Chef T

January 10, 2012

we r here but 4 such a tyme as wuz our beloved friend, vesta; an entertainer who defined and xpressed herself just what we felt through her music. "Congratulations" was a phenomenal hit that represented us when we xperienced failed relationships; nevertheless, restored hope in and sustained us ! She wuz Gods' property, He has reclaimed his child.

Miranda Wilson

January 10, 2012

Candles are for angels.

Miranda Wilson

January 10, 2012

Diva gone but never forgotten...

Miranda Wilson

January 10, 2012

Its been some time sense you passed away. Im recently learn of your passing. Im sadden to hear. Rest your soul, body, and spirit you will be missed dearly. Angel in the heavens.

DONALD ABDUR-RASHEED

January 9, 2012

I WOULD LIKE PAY MY RESPECT TO A GREAT GREAT SINGER WHO LEFT THIS LIFE TO SOON.VESTA WILLIAMS WAS A TALENTED AND SONG WRITER.NO ONE CAN BLOW LIKE HER.MAY GOD KEEP HER CLOSE TO HIM.AND SHE WILL ON
A TRUE FAN

Phyllis Thomas

January 9, 2012

I was truly saddended to hear of Vesta
Williams passing. Her voice was like none other. You will surely be missed Vesta.

Brian

January 9, 2012

i just learned of vesta's passing and was saddened by this...'god bless you ,vesta.

Iden McCollum

January 9, 2012

Love your music Vesta, you will be missed.

Patty Kendall

January 8, 2012

Rest in peace angell

Denise Bardoff

January 8, 2012

Just watched Unsung and Vesta Williams was a beautiful angel sent down from heaven to share her beautiful songs and grace us with her presence and then sent back to heaven when her time was served here. RIP Vesta Williams

Johndrea Jackson

January 8, 2012

You will be truly missed. I was only 11 when you first came out. I grew up to love you and your music. Rip sweet angel.

January 8, 2012

I just heard the news as i was listening to her music i am so sad about this rest in peace Vesta William

Carliss Lytle

January 7, 2012

Vesta a beautiful creation from God. Thank God for the joy she brought to me, a fan and so many others. Vesta R.I.P.

Dr. Shug Harris

January 7, 2012

As I sit here in my quiet time, I reflect back to the evening I first heard and saw Vesta sing "Congratulations". From that moment on, I loved her spirit. It seemed she was singing from experience. Truly God is holding her and she is singing in the heavenly choir with her loved ones, friends, and famous aquaintences! We are reassured that she is smiling and happy. Family, friends, please....lift you heads...so she can see your beautuful faces! God bless you all and keep you is my fervent prayer!

Kimberly McCoy

January 7, 2012

I love you Vesta! I hope to join you in our fathers kingdom. See you soon!! :-)

Kimberly Johnson

January 7, 2012

I love u, Vesta. I hope i get to join you in our fathters kingdom. See you again sister:-)

Tarsha Lawson

January 6, 2012

Wow!It's still so shocking to me that this gem of a talent has left us all too soon. Yet, I send my love, prayers and condolences to her family especially her daugther and grandchildren. May they find peace and comfort in their darkest hour. May Vesta truly be at peace and this songbird has a place in God's choir. Vesta, Thank You for leaving your fans with great memories of you and your music will forever live on. Her spirit and smile were just as beautiufl as she was. Gone to Soon, but Will Never be Forgotten. R.I.P. Sweet, Sweet, Vesta!

Sylvia Johnson-Newberry

January 6, 2012

God Bless you and your Loved Ones throughout this tragic process. My prayers that you will have peace and may God hold Miss Vesta dear to your hearts always.

monique ashford

January 6, 2012

momique ashford i miss u vesta williams so much

Walter Myers Jr

January 5, 2012

I luv sweet sweet luv and u will truly be mis but GOD has a place for u in heaven where u can continue to sing I luv u

Daniel Williams

January 4, 2012

Vesta Williams will be missed, but not forgotten. God bless her and her family.

Erma Vance

January 3, 2012

God, you are surely receiving an, "Angel". I will truly miss Vesta. I feel like someone just snatched my heart out. God keep her daughter and grand-daughter Strong. Vesta is a true DIVA.

We Love you, Vesta.

tamra davis

January 2, 2012

I was shocked to hear of this. Ur powerful voice will be missed but Gods heavenly choir has gained a masterpiece.

January 2, 2012

crystal conley u will be missed i grow up off of u

January 1, 2012

You will greatly missed love you vesta

Crystal Hawkins

December 31, 2011

Congradulations Heaven! You have received an angel. Vesta you are a true diva that will be often imitated but never duplicated! You are so special and will always be in our hearts forever!

Jeanette Hall

December 30, 2011

You will be missed down her. One of the best singing diva's. GOD bless the family.

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Sign Vesta Williams's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 10, 2024

Teresa posted to the memorial.

January 3, 2024

Hildy Joe posted to the memorial.

July 28, 2023

Hildy posted to the memorial.