Police searching for missing Athens woman with dementia

Alberta Ward Smith

By Joe Johnson

Athens-Clarke County police are seeking the public’s help in locating an elderly woman with dementia.

Alberta Ward Smith, 89, was last seen at 9:30 a.m. as she walked away from her home on South Ridge Drive, a side street off Jefferson River Road, according to police.

Smith is described as being 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds, police said, and she was wearing a blue shirt and black pants, and carrying a white purse and using a cane.

“It is possible thar someone offered her a ride not realizing that she has been reported missing,” police Capt. Christopher Nichols said. “We're anxious to check on her welfare and safely return her home.”

Anyone with information on Miss Smith should contact 911.