Thurmond's secret daughter dies

The woman born to former Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-S.C.) and a 16-year-old black maid who worked for his family has died. 

Essie Mae Washington-Williams passed away Sunday at 87, according to an Associated Press report.

Washington-Williams kept the fact that Thurmond, a segregationist, was her father a secret for more than 70 years, until his 2003 death at age 100.

While Thurmond, who served in Congress for more than 47 years, never publicly acknowledged his oldest daughter, he kept in touch with her and provided some financial support.

Following the lawmaker’s death, Thurmond’s family acknowledged her parentage.

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