> At a Glance
> – Ernestine Merritt, 79, disappeared from her Ellenwood home at 4:30 a.m. on Jan. 4
> – Her doorbell camera captured her leaving; she was later found dead in nearby woods
> – No foul play suspected, according to DeKalb County Police
> – Why it matters: The tragedy highlights the vulnerability of seniors with dementia and the swift response of local authorities and church communities
A four-day search for a beloved retired high-school English teacher ended in heartbreak when investigators discovered Ernestine Merritt’s body in a wooded area less than a mile from her Ellenwood, Georgia, home.
The Disappearance
Merritt, diagnosed with dementia, vanished early Sunday, Jan. 4, after walking away from her residence on the 2400 block of Yolanda Trail. A doorbell camera recorded her departure around 4:30 a.m., prompting family and church members to organize immediate search efforts.
- Mattie’s Call-Georgia’s emergency alert for disabled or elderly persons-was issued statewide.
- Greenforest Community Baptist Church, where Merritt was an active member, coordinated volunteer teams.
- DeKalb County Police deployed K-9 units and drones to scour surrounding neighborhoods.
Discovery and Community Response
On Wednesday, Jan. 7, searchers located Merritt deceased in woods behind the 3900 block of Old Ivy Court-roughly half a mile from her front door.
DeKalb County Police stated:
> “After days of searching, investigators found Ernestine Merritt deceased today. There is no indication of foul play based on preliminary findings.”
Greenforest Community Baptist Church announced her passing Thursday morning:
> “It is with deep sorrow and faith in God’s promises that we share our missing church member… has been found and is now resting in the arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Timeline of Events
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 4 | 4:30 a.m. | Merritt leaves home, captured on doorbell camera |
| Jan. 4 | Morning | Family reports her missing; Mattie’s Call activated |
| Jan. 7 | Evening | Body discovered in wooded area |
| Jan. 8 | Morning | Church confirms death via Facebook |
Key Takeaways
- 79-year-old Ernestine Merritt suffered from dementia and wandered from home.
- Volunteers, police, and church members conducted extensive searches across four days.
- Foul play is not suspected; authorities await final autopsy results.
- The case underscores the critical need for rapid-response systems when seniors with cognitive impairments go missing.
Merritt’s family, students, and fellow congregants now mourn a dedicated educator whose final journey ended close to the community she loved.
