Shay Youngblood, the author whose works were inspired by her childhood as an orphan growing up in Georgia, has died of ovarian cancer at 64, the New York Times reports.

Youngblood was 2 years old when her single mother died; she was raised in Columbus, Georgia, by family and community members whom she referred to as “big mamas.” She was educated at Clark-Atlanta University and Brown University, then made her literary debut in 1989 with the collection The Big Mama Stories. That book formed the basis for a play, Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery, which was staged before the collection was published.

She published her first novel, Soul Kiss, in 1997; a critic for Kirkus wrote of the book, “More mournful than soulful, this melancholic narrative is a decent addition to the literature of race and sexuality (with homage paid to Alice Walker et al.).”

Her other books include the novels Winter Prophet and Black Girl in Paris, as well as the children’s books Mama’s Home, illustrated by Lo Harris, and A Family Prayer, illustrated by Kristina Swarner.

Youngblood’s admirers paid tribute to her on social media. On the platform X, writer Morgan Hannah wrote, “I’m so saddened to hear of the passing of one of the best fiction professors I’ve ever had. Encouraging and kind, her motto has stuck with me for years. ‘Be Bold.’”

And historian Leslye Joy Allen posted, “I just learned that author/playwright #ShayYoungblood has left us. I remember her telling me about when my late cousin #BillieAllen crunched some bill$ in her hand & said, ‘I know they’re not paying you darling.’ She said, “I so needed that!” Rest in Paradise Shay.”

Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.