Vanessa Williams is honoring her mother, Helen, after she died at the age of 85. "On December 28th, the world lost a powerhouse, dynamo and force of nature packed into a 5ft frame," the actress, 61, wrote via Instagram on Thursday,

Vanessa Williams is taking time off from her Devil Wears Prada performances in London following the death of her mother, Helen Louise Williams. Vanessa, 61, and her family wrote that Helen died on Dec. 28 of complications of acute liver failure, per the obituary obtained by PEOPLE on Thursday, Jan. 2. She was 85.

VANESSA Williams has confirmed her mother has died whilst visiting London to watch her perform. The actress, who is currently starring as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, revealed the

The multihyphenate entertainer is mourning the loss of her beloved mother, who recently died in London surrounded by family and friends.

Vanessa Williams will take a break from The Devil Wears Prada following the passing of her mother. Debbie Kurup will take over the role of Miranda Priestly in Williams' absence.

Vanessa Williams is planning to go on a brief hiatus following the death of her beloved mom, Helen Louise Williams.The 61-year-old announced that her mother tragically passed away on December 28

Debbie Kurup will step up to play the fictional fashion villain Miranda Priestly from January 8 to 15, with Williams returning on January 16