Woman searching for mom may have found relative

Daycia Shirley, the 47-year-old woman who is trying to locate her mother in order to get a birth certificate, could be a step closer to finding her.

A Manchester woman, who gave her name as Andrea, told THE STAR that Shirley bears a striking resemblance to her older sibling, whose name is Jenifer Shirley. In the previous story highlighting Shirley's search, she said that she could be named either Jenifer or Janet Miller.

"My sister's name is Jenifer Miller and she is the first child for our parents. From I was a child, I suspected she had a child based on a conversation that she had with someone. I always told my siblings that one day someone is going to surface. Up to today, I think she may have another child out there," she said.

"I have no doubt that it is possible that Daycia may be her child. They look alike. In fact, I am like 99 per cent sure that she is my niece. Before I read the article in THE STAR, I saw her picture and I turned to someone and said that the lady look like someone that I knew. When I read the story, it came back to me and I said 'Jesus Christ, this must be my sister's daughter'," she said.

Shirley has never laid eyes on her birth mother. In addition to wanting to be reunited, the mother of three said her mother is the key figure in her obtaining a birth certificate, a document she said has set her back significantly. She said when Andrea reached out to her, she felt a glimmer of hope.

"My entire blood ran cold and I really hope that I will find some closure and most of all get my birth certificate," she said.

Andrea said the family lived in Mandeville, Manchester, but Miller did not reside with them most of her life.

"I saw her close to three years ago but someone told me they saw her in Mandeville about three months ago. She don't keep in touch with family. We would only see she surface now and again. We sold the family house and everyone has their own place so that may have prevented her from turning up," she said. According to Andrea, Miller is about 67 years old. She said that she anticipates bringing closure to the situation once and for all.

"My mother is on bed rest right now and if Daycia is indeed Jenifer's child, I would love for mommy to see her. Looking at Daycia, I see our family genes. I was waiting on this. When I look at Daycia, I am looking at my sister. A family member saw the picture and asked me if Daycia was my sister because of the resemblance. I am willing to do a DNA test if that is possible," Andrea added.