Barbara Mask should have been on a familiar path home Tuesday afternoon. Instead, the 69-year-old Griffin woman disappeared after a routine stop at an eye doctor’s office, touching off a growing search and deep concern across Spalding County.
Mask was last seen earlier today at Takle Eye Doctor along South 8th Street in Griffin, a place she knew well. When she didn’t return home, worry set in fast. The City of Griffin Police Department confirmed she lives on Alabama Road in nearby Meansville and has not been seen or heard from since leaving the clinic.
What makes the situation especially urgent is Mask’s health. Police say she has dementia, a condition that can make it difficult to recognize surroundings, remember directions, or ask for help. She also has trouble walking, which raises fears about how far she could have gone on her own and how vulnerable she may be if she becomes tired or disoriented.
Adding to the concern, Mask does not have a cellphone with her. That means she has no easy way to call for help or let anyone know where she is. Investigators believe she may be relying entirely on the kindness of strangers if she encounters anyone along the way.
Authorities are urging residents in Griffin, Meansville, and surrounding areas to stay alert. Anyone who sees Mask is asked not to leave her alone. Instead, police say to stay with her and immediately call 911 so officers can respond and make sure she is safe.
For many in the community, this case hits close to home. A simple doctor’s appointment turning into a missing-person search is a stark reminder of how quickly things can change, especially for seniors living with cognitive challenges. Friends, neighbors, and local residents are being asked to check yards, porches, and nearby streets, and to trust their instincts if they think they’ve spotted her.
As the afternoon turns to evening, time matters. Police say every call, every tip, and every extra set of eyes could make the difference in bringing Barbara Mask home safely. The hope is that someone, somewhere, has seen her and will speak up.
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