The body of a missing Cleveland woman was found Thursday. Mattie Mizell, 69, was reported missing on New Year’s Day and search crews have been actively searching for her ever since.
Yesterday, Cleveland Police Chief Jeff Shoemaker said that Mizell’s body was found along the edge of a creek in a densely wooded area. He said foul play is not suspected. Her body was turned over to the White County Coroner’s Office.
Authorities had asked for the public’s help to find Mizell after she left her residence on White Street on foot and did not come home. Search efforts included the use of tracking dogs, air units, drones and a foot search by multiple state agencies.
Police Chief Shoemaker said this was not the outcome that they were hoping for. “The police department would like to thank members of the community who assisted in the search,” said Shoemaker. “We are all saddened by the outcome; our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mrs. Mizell.”
Update to the story posted Jan. 4, 2022, at 1 p.m.: Authorities are hoping a video that surfaced Monday could aid in the search for a missing woman from Cleveland.
Mattie Mizell, 69, went missing on New Year's Day and officials have undertaken extensive searches for her. The search originally encompassed the area surrounding White County Middle School, which is near her home on White Street in Cleveland. Monday, officials expanded the search to include the areas surrounding Highway 129 North and GA-75. The change came following reports of Mizell being spotted near NOK Drive.
Cleveland Police Chief Jeff Shoemaker said a new video from a local business showed Mizell walking down the street of NOK Drive toward Babyland General on Saturday around 3:30 p.m.
Shoemaker said they searched that area extensively on Monday. He has asked anyone who visited Babyland General on Saturday between 3 and 6 p.m. to contact the police department at 706-348-7078.
“We’re not ruling out that she could have been picked up. She could have had a friend or someone that she met that could have picked her up and given her a ride,” Shoemaker said.
Authorities are also now searching for the driver of a truck which may be able to provide information in Mizell's disappearance.
Shoemaker released a photo of the copper or orange Ford F-150 crew cab truck that was observed traveling on NOK drive Saturday around the same time that Mizell was observed walking on that same road. The photo of the truck can be viewed in the above photo gallery. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.
Cleveland police are concerned about Mizell’s condition after her possible exposure to winter storms, cold conditions, and high winds Sunday night and into Monday.
Chief Shoemaker said they are perusing all leads and tips they receive
Original story posted Jan. 3, 2022, at 6 a.m.:
The Cleveland Police Department is searching for a missing elderly woman and is seeking the public’s assistance. In an email, Cleveland City Police Chief Jeff Shoemaker said Mrs. Mattie Mizell was last seen on January 1st, around 2:40 PM at her residence on White Street in Cleveland.
She may be suffering from dementia, according to Chief Shoemaker, and is believed to have left walking.
She was last seen in the area of the White County Middle School walking in a Northwestern direction, possibly towards Allison Drive, Doug Allison Heights, Cantrell Rd, Hwy 129, Hilltop Rd, Hulsey Rd, Hwy 75N. These are possible routes that she may have taken.
Chief Shoemaker said, “The community can help by searching the outer areas of their property to include garages, porches, shrubs and brush areas, vehicles or any area that a person may use for shelter in the rainy weather.” He said in addition to this, the sides of the roadway, culverts, drain areas, etc. could be searched for possible areas she may have gone to seek shelter.
If you notice anything suspicious that looks as if someone may have been there, or if you have any other information, please contact White County 911 at 706-865-0911.
Mrs. Mizell is described as a 69-year-old, black female, with black hair and brown eyes, approximately 5 feet, 3 inches tall, and weighs 160 pounds.
When she was last seen, she was wearing blue pants or jeans, a purple/blue hooded sweatshirt, and blue shoes with white trim.
Shoemaker said search efforts were conducted Saturday afternoon and overnight.
Anyone with information regarding Mrs. Mizell is asked to contact the Cleveland Police Department at 706-348-7078 or White County E911 at 706-865-0911.
