DAISY LEE HENTZ, the daughter of late Stephen James, Sr. and Evelina James, was born on August 21, 1928 in Indianola, Mississippi. At age 9, she moved with her family to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Daisy graduated from Fourth Street Middle School and Lincoln High School.
Daisy became a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church where she accepted Christ as her personal savior, was baptized, and diligently served. On September 6, 1970, Daisy joined Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend E.M. Kelly and later Reverend Willie D. Wanzo, Sr. She faithfully served as a Sunday school teacher and drama guild director creatively leading countless plays taht touched the lives of many. With a love and gift for working with young people, she also served as the youth director. Daisy remained a member of Metropolitan until her recent homecoming.
Daisy was a woman of determination and drive. Shortly after receiving her Associate Degree in Fashion Merchandizing in June, 1975 from Milwaukee Area Technical College, she launched her fashion design company, Daisies Fashion House, where she and her staff designed custom fashions for a broad customer based for over 25 years. As she stated to a Milwaukee Courier newspaper reporter, "It's a lifetime dream that's finally come true. Opening this store is something I've always wanted to do." In addition to her fashion house, in 1979, she launched Daisies Charm and Finishing School, an organization that promoted increased confidence, self-esteem and success through classes taught in drama, speech, etiquette, modern dance, and personal grooming to children ages 4-14.
Daisy received numerous awards and recognitions including: Eva Smart Mission Circle honors for outstanding dedication of time and talents in meeting the needs of others (1999), the Wisconsin Greater Baptist State Convention award for sincere commitment and dedicated service in the youth department (1993). Community Futures Development Coalition of St. Agnes Greatest Appreciation Award for volunteer service (1986), Metropolitan Women's Day Woman of Service Award (1997), Milwaukee County 4-H Music Drama Festival Best of Show Drama (1996), Metropolitan Mother of the Year award (1986), Certificate of Appreciation Award from Freedom Temple Church VBS for directing and presenting the play, "Finder's Keeper" (1992), and featured in The Milwaukee Courier on April 3, 1976 in an article entitled, "daisies, daisies," where her work as an inner-city business owner was showcased. She was also featured on local televisions stations for hair braiding, and received numerous other accolades for her ongoing commitment to the church and community.
On August 17, 2011, the Lord called Daisy to heaven while in her family home surrounded by her loving daughter and caretaker, Leatrice, and family. She was proceeded in death by her parents Stephen and Evelina James, Sr.; four brothers, Jake, Leon, Percy, and Frank James; and four sisters: Mamie Eubanks, Priscilla James, Mary Burnett, Juanita Henry, and Mildred Hillery.
She leaves to cherish her memory, one brother, Stephen James, Jr. (Evora); her beloved daughters, Beverly Hampton, Helen Taylor, Leatrice Lacy, Millicent Tucker (Mark), Roxie Hentz (Martha): two sons, Nathan Taylor, Jr. and Rodney Burton; 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild; and a host of dear and loving nephews, nieces, cousins, foster children, and friends.
We are conforted in our hearts and minds to know that our beloved is held in the arms of the Heavenly Father.