Biological parents were Shu Chong MOY (born in China 1858, died in The United States 1943) and Jessica Whitehurst (born in Norfolk, Virginia, dates unknown). Raised from age 4 by foster parents Jin Fuey Moy and Hatittia Alice Dolbow.
The above information is the result of research by author Scott D. Seligman for his book "Three Tough Chinamen" and further research done by Dr. Ramona Curry, retired professor from Department of English, University of Illinois, featured on her private communication "Lady Tsen Mei/Josephine Moy: The First Chinese (American) Film Star.".