Who is Tara Grinstead?

She is a sister, a daughter, a teacher, a friend, a confidante, a coworker, a neighbor.

Tara teaches 11th and 9th grade History at Irwin County High School in Ocilla, GA. She is loved, respected and sorely missed by the students, her coworkers and the entire Irwin County community.

Ask anyone who knows her and you will be told ~ Tara is an amazing young woman. She lives and teaches in Ocilla, GA at Irwin County High School. She is a former Miss Tifton and is very active in supporting pageantry in the area. It's not unusual to find Tara's home filled with young women seeking her advice and support. Why? Because she believes that pageantry is a path to college funds. She has mentored many young women on the art of interviewing and her presence in felt each time you talk with one of them.

She is involved in so many school and community activities that she truly has touched so many people it is hard to convey it properly in words. From cheerleading to basketball to pageantry, to her deep love for History ~ her own interests are as diverse and interesting as she is herself. She demonstrates her love for education not only by choosing teaching as her profession but by being an avid student herself. She has already acquired her Master's degree and is presently working on her Doctorate. At the tender age of 31, she has accomplished more than some hope to accomplish in a lifetime.

Tara is the kind of person you pray your child will have the good fortune to learn from and that you will have the good fortune to come to know. She is the kind of person whose absence simply cannot be ignored... we must find Tara and bring her home. She is missed...

What Happened to Tara Grinstead?

Tara disappeared from her home and has not been heard from since Saturday, October 22. On October 24, 2005 at 8:50am a report was made to the Ocilla Police Department by neighbors and coworkers who were concerned about her well being. Tara did not show up for work and they were unable to reach her. The last known contact with Tara was on Saturday October 22, 2005 at approx. 11:00 pm. There is no known description of the clothing she was wearing when she disappeared. Her house was locked and her car is parked at her home. The only items known to be missing are her purse and keys.

Tara attended a pageant on Saturday evening at the Grand Theater in Fitzgerald, visited with friends for dinner afterwards and then went home. Did you see Tara interacting with someone suspicous that evening or witness something you found to be unusual?

If you have any information that you believe may be connected to Tara's disappearance, PLEASE contact:
GBI at (478) 987-4545 or (229) 468-TIPS.
1-800-597-TIPS (8477)

!! YOU MAY REMAIN ANONYMOUS !!