South Carolina Woman with Dementia Reunited with Husband After Going Missing on Valentine's Day

Annie B. Tisdale was found safe in Georgia just two days before her birthday after an extensive search.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Annie B. Tisdale, a South Carolina woman with dementia, went missing on Valentine's Day while going to pick up food. After several days of searching, her pickup truck was spotted on the side of the road in Toccoa, Georgia, about 75 miles away from her home. She was found safe, though disoriented, and has since been reunited with her husband of 55 years, James Tisdale Jr.

Why it matters

This story highlights the challenges faced by families caring for loved ones with dementia, as well as the importance of quick action and community support when someone goes missing. The safe return of Annie B. Tisdale is a heartwarming outcome that underscores the power of perseverance and the strength of long-lasting relationships.

The details

Annie B. Tisdale left her home on Valentine's Day to pick up food but never returned. Her husband, James Tisdale Jr., immediately contacted the police and asked them to start searching, as his wife has dementia and was not taking her medication. On Sunday, February 15th, police tracked Annie's pickup truck using traffic cameras and found that the last sighting was in Lavonia, Georgia. The family, including their son Jarrett, then launched a social media campaign and organized search teams, but there were no new leads for several days. Finally, on Wednesday, February 18th, Annie's truck was spotted on the side of the road in Toccoa, Georgia. She was found safe, though disoriented, and has since been reunited with her husband.

  • On Valentine's Day, Annie B. Tisdale went missing while going to pick up food.
  • On Sunday, February 15th, police tracked Annie's pickup truck using traffic cameras and found the last sighting was in Lavonia, Georgia.
  • On Monday, February 16th, the family's son Jarrett Tisdale flew into town to assist with the search.
  • On Wednesday, February 18th, Annie's truck was spotted on the side of the road in Toccoa, Georgia, about 75 miles away from her home.
  • Annie B. Tisdale was reunited with her husband just two days before her birthday.

The players

Annie B. Tisdale

A South Carolina woman with dementia who went missing on Valentine's Day while going to pick up food.

James Tisdale Jr.

Annie's husband of 55 years, who immediately contacted the police and organized search efforts when his wife went missing.

Jarrett Tisdale

The couple's son, who flew into town to assist with the search and navigation of the teams.

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What they’re saying

“Are we going find her in time, that, you know, she would be still alive? I was concerned that she was, she's missing medication.”

— James Tisdale Jr., Husband

“I was preparing myself for, you know, both outcomes, dead or alive.”

— Jarrett Tisdale, Son

“Was I sleeping? Well, no. I was just mainly praying. Praying that someway, somehow, she would be found.”

— James Tisdale Jr., Husband

“She didn't even know she was lost. She just thought she ran out of gas. She was like, 'I've been here a long time, I just want to go home,'”

— Jarrett Tisdale, Son

“It feels like the day we got married. We've been married 55 years, and we've been on this road a long time together, and I want more. I would like for us to be on this road as long as we can.”

— James Tisdale Jr., Husband

The takeaway

This heartwarming story underscores the importance of community support and quick action when a loved one with dementia goes missing. The safe return of Annie B. Tisdale to her devoted husband of 55 years is a testament to the power of perseverance and the strength of long-lasting relationships.