Shirley Booth-Byerly has been addicted to the study of genealogy since childhood; she loves the never-ending battle of discovering subtle links, possibilities, impossibilities, and misconceptions. In God, Ghosts, and Grannies, she tells the story of her family—where they came from and how they settled in South Alabama and Northwest Florida. Telling the events as literary nonfiction and taking genealogy to a new level, her story shares insights from six generations, six unique individuals, each viewing life from slightly skewed, rose-colored glasses. Shirley melds humor, drama, and a living experience with research, resources, and revelations. Gods, Ghosts, and Grannies narrates a story of people’s lives, their hopes, their dreams, and the realities they faced while struggling, working, and tending their homes; the same homes that convey tranquil memories, laughter, sunshine, and contentment—memories forever gone when no one is left to tell the stories or no one cares to listen.

Marriage certificates issued by Escambia County, Fla. (Books C-L). Each certificate shows full name of applicants (male and female) and certification of ceremony with date solemnized and person performing ceremony, including church affiliation.