BREAKING: Daughter of Missing NC Mom Has Forgiven Her for Disappearing 24 Years Ago, Friend Says

BREAKING: Daughter of Missing NC Mom Has Forgiven Her for Disappearing 24 Years Ago, Friend Says

By Staff Reporter

RALEIGH, N.C. — The daughter of a North Carolina mother who vanished more than two decades ago has privately forgiven her for leaving behind her young children, according to a longtime family friend.

The woman, who was just a child when her mother disappeared 24 years ago, has reportedly struggled for years with unanswered questions. But a close confidant says she has reached a place of understanding — even as the mystery surrounding her mother’s fate remains unresolved.

“She doesn’t carry anger anymore,” the friend said. “She’s chosen peace over resentment.”

Mugshot of Michele Hundley Smith, a woman with graying hair, wearing a black and yellow shirt.

A Disappearance That Shook a Family

The mother’s sudden absence in the early 2000s stunned relatives and left investigators searching for clues. Authorities at the time explored multiple possibilities, including voluntary departure and foul play, but the case has never been definitively closed.

No criminal charges were filed in connection with the disappearance, and law enforcement has periodically revisited the file as new tips surfaced over the years.

Living With Uncertainty

Family members have long described the emotional toll of growing up without answers. Birthdays, holidays and milestones passed with lingering uncertainty about whether the missing mother was alive — and if she had left by choice.

The daughter, now an adult, has reportedly focused on building stability in her own life while quietly processing the past.

“Forgiveness doesn’t mean the pain wasn’t real,” the friend added. “It just means she’s not letting it define her anymore.”

Investigation Status

Local authorities declined to comment on the specifics of the case but confirmed it remains classified as an open missing persons investigation. Officials encourage anyone with information to contact law enforcement.

For now, the daughter’s decision to forgive marks a deeply personal turning point in a story that has lingered for nearly a quarter century — a reminder that while investigations seek answers, families often seek something else: closure.