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Mom of 3 Disappeared Without a Trace in 2001—Now Her Family Has Learned the Truth

Michele Hundley Smith’s daughter shared that she was struggling with mixed emotions after learning that her mother was alive.
South Hill Enterprise

Michele Hundley Smith: 24 Years Missing, Found Alive with Lingering Mysteries

Michele Hundley Smith, a North Carolina mother who vanished without explanation on December 9, 2001, has been located alive and well after 24 years, as announced by the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office on February 20, 2026.

Missing Mom Found After 24 Years Said She Left Due to 'Domestic Issues'

Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page tells PEOPLE his office has no records related to domestic issues prior to her disappearance in 2001

Mom of 3 who vanished 24 years ago found alive, living new life

I never thought Michele was dead. I knew she was alive. It’s just a feeling that I had my whole life,” Michele Smith’s cousin, Barbara Byrd, said.

Mom, Who Vanished Without a Trace 24 Years Ago, Found 'Alive,' Leaving Family with Unanswered Questions

Michele Hundley Smith, 62, was first reported missing in December 2001

Husband's theory as wife is found alive living completely new life after disappearing 24 years ago

Michele Hundley Smith went missing in 2001 after leaving her home in Eden, North Carolina, but her husband had a theory about her disappearance.

‘She’s alive’: Family responds after 2001 disappearance of Eden woman takes unexpected turn

For 24 years, Barbara Byrd lived with a question. The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Michele Hundley Smith, who disappeared in December 2001 after leaving her Eden home to go Christmas