Saundra Giles Gaffney, a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, graduated from Carver High School and received her B.A. in English from Johnson C. Smith University. She furthered her education by receiving her Masters of Education Degree from Converse College. She is a life member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church and a life member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. Mrs. Gaffney is a retired educator and now works as a funeral assistant. She is the mother of one daughter and one granddaughter. Laughter in the Midst of Tears is Mrs. Gaffney's first book. Laughter in the Midst of Tears: Joy Does Come Though many think of funerals, and planning for one, as sad occasions, the author wants readers to know it's not all serious and sad - there are some humorous times in the midst of sadness. " Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5