Nationwide — Annie Stokes, an 87-year-old African American grandmother from Pascagoula, Mississippi, was reported missing and later found safe inside a Walmart after several days of searching. Her family confirmed she was in good health after authorities and local residents helped locate her.
Stokes was last seen on Tuesday, January 20, in Jackson County. When she did not return home, officials issued a missing person alert and began searching surrounding communities.
The search came to an end on Monday, January 26, when authorities found Stokes inside a Walmart in Pascagoula. Police confirmed she was safe and contacted her family shortly after.
According to WLBT, her granddaughter, Sharniqua Hunter, said Stokes was “in good health. She looked good and so happy.”
Hunter also thanked the Moss Point police chief, the city of Pascagoula, and local residents who helped during the search. Officials did not release further details about how Stokes ended up at the store.