On a somber day in Denbighshire, North Wales, friends, family, and fans gathered to honor the late James Lee Williams, better known as The Vivienne, who tragically passed away at the age of 32.
The funeral, held at a local church, was a deeply emotional event, with a large number of notable figures from TV, music, and stage paying their respects to the beloved Drag Race UK winner.
A Personal Farewell to The Vivienne
Among those attending the funeral were stars like Ian ‘H’ Watkins, Kim Woodburn, Jade Thirlwall, Aston Merrygold, and Claire Sweeney.
The service was a poignant reflection of The Vivienne’s life and career.
As the ceremony began, the iconic crown and sceptre, which The Vivienne won on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, were carried into the church ahead of the coffin, symbolizing their extraordinary journey and achievements.
Ian Watkins and comedian Jayde Adams made their way in together, with Watkins dressed in a red tartan suit.
The mourners, many dressed in green as a tribute to the late drag queen’s vibrant personality, honored The Vivienne’s legacy.
Several men also wore Vivienne Westwood badges on their lapels, a nod to the drag artist’s passion for the renowned designer.
Friends and Fellow Celebrities Remember The Vivienne
The atmosphere was filled with a mix of sadness and celebration of life as close friends, such as singer Jade Thirlwall and former X Factor contestant Marcus Collins, joined the service.
They were joined by soap stars Claire Sweeney and Jennifer Ellison, as well as Aston Merrygold from JLS.
Merrygold, who had worked alongside The Vivienne in The Wizard of Oz stage production, appeared especially moved by the occasion.
In a touching moment, a horse-drawn carriage arrived at the church, carrying The Vivienne’s coffin adorned with beautiful floral tributes, including one shaped like a witch’s hat, in reference to the Wizard of Oz performance.
Fellow RuPaul’s Drag Race UK contestants Tia Kofi, Baga Chipz, and Cheryl also made their way to the funeral, showing their solidarity for their late friend.
A Bright Star in the Drag World
James Lee Williams, known for their fierce talent and vibrant performances, rose to fame as the winner of the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
Over the years, The Vivienne became a staple of the drag community, competing on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, finishing third on Dancing On Ice, and starring in the BBC Three show The Vivienne Takes On Hollywood.
The Vivienne was also a well-known advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and continued to use their platform to raise awareness for various causes, including HIV and LGBTQ+ rights.
Born in Colwyn Bay, Wales, Williams had always been drawn to the world of drag.
They found their inspiration in the legendary Lily Savage and later adopted the stage name “The Vivienne” after their admiration for Vivienne Westwood’s iconic designs.
They moved to Liverpool at age 16 to pursue a career as a makeup artist and started their drag journey, eventually becoming a sensation in the industry.
A Final Tribute from Loved Ones
Days before their untimely death, Williams shared a heartfelt post on social media, asking followers to donate to the LGBTQ+ and HIV charity SAHIR.
It was clear that The Vivienne’s commitment to causes close to their heart remained unwavering, even in their final moments.
The Vivienne’s ex-husband, David Luford, who was married to the drag queen for seven years, also expressed his grief in a heartfelt tribute.
Luford wrote in a statement: “My heart literally sank when I got the call.
Never in a million years did I ever think I’d be writing anything like this about James Lee Williams.”
As mourners said their final goodbyes, it was evident that The Vivienne’s impact on the drag community, television, and countless fans will never be forgotten.
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