FINDING DAISY
From the Deep South to the Promised Land
Why did Grandma Daisy lie about where she was born?
Driven by a desire for truth, author Kathy Marshall set out to uncover the secrets shrouded in her grandmother’s past. What began as a simple question quickly spiraled into a gripping, multi-state adventure—tracing Daisy’s footprints from the rugged dirt roads of the Deep South to the bustling streets of St. Louis and Cleveland.
Along the way, Marshall uncovers the extraordinary life of a woman who refused to be defined by her circumstances. Daisy made her mark as a fierce civic leader, a trailblazing embalmer, and a dedicated nurse. She was a force of nature—famous for her legendary cooking, her razor-sharp discipline, her beastly anger, and her undisputed, unconditional love. But her greatest test was yet to come.
Finding Daisy is a triumphant, deeply poignant story of resilience, hidden truths, and the quiet power of inner fortitude.
Bonus Chapter Included!Want to uncover your own roots? The special chapter “Solving Your Mystery” provides practical, step-by-step guidance to help you research and write your own family’s story.
Award-Winning Historical BiographyWinner of Multiple Book Awards:
Sons and Daughters of the U.S. Middle Passage
Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS)
Northern California Publishers and Authors
About the AuthorKathy Lynne Marshall is an acclaimed Black Ancestor Biographer who writes on behalf of those whose stories were nearly lost to time. Through her books, workshops, and consulting—including engagements with the Sons and Daughters of the U.S. Middle Passage and the Beverly Heritage Center—she elevates the American historical record by restoring thoroughly researched accounts of African American women and underrepresented voices.
I worked 36 years for the California Highway Patrol as a researcher/analyst/consultant who produced hundreds of technical reports about enforcement tactics, hiring, etc. After retiring six years ago, I began creating hard-bound, photo-journal books about my parents and my world travels. An alarming thought entered my head one day last summer as I found myself starting my 60th year of life: there are only three people older than me in my mother's family. Soon "I" will be the Matriarch. I have a burning desire to ensure my family is remembered in a tangible way. I felt an overwhelming need to commemorate the interesting stories of the descendants of my enslaved and free ancestors in this book.
And ... I'd like to encourage YOU to write your family stories too. To that end, I include a chapter called "Solving Your Mystery" in every book (except the paperback The Ancestors Are Smiling!). This useful chapter contains a detailed list of steps I take to research, outline, write, and self-publish each of my books. I hope any part of that chapter helps you get started and finished with your own book.
The Ancestors Are Smiling!
