Nationwide — Ernestine Merritt, a 79-year-old African American woman from DeKalb County, Georgia, has been found dead in the woods days after going missing. She had dementia, and authorities said there were no signs of foul play.
Merritt, a retired high school English teacher, was last seen leaving her home on the 2400 block of Yolanda Trail in Ellenwood early Sunday morning. According to People, a doorbell camera reportedly captured her walking out, and she never returned. Her family feared she might be confused or lost.
After her disappearance, the DeKalb County Police Department issued a Mattie’s Call, an emergency alert for missing elderly or disabled individuals. Friends, family, and members of Greenforest Community Baptist Church joined the search, combing the neighborhood in hopes of finding her safely.
Her cousin, James Robinson, said, “She thought she was going to church. I love her, and I want her back real bad.” Despite days of searching, Merritt’s location remained unknown until Wednesday evening.
Police later confirmed that Merritt’s body had been found in the woods behind the 3900 block of Old Ivy Court. “It is with sadness to announce this search has ended in tragedy,” the department said. The church shared the news on Facebook, expressing grief while asking the community to keep her family in prayer.
Authorities said a preliminary investigation showed no signs of foul play. Community members and the church thanked everyone who assisted in the search, remembering Merritt for her faith, teaching career, and impact on those around her.