50 Year Search: Sister Still Missing

Every year, in honor of her sister's birthday, Lisa Davidson embarks on a journey along the Appalachian Trail, which stretches 2,100 miles from Georgia to Maine.  Lisa’s sister, Brenda Davidson, was 14 years old when she disappeared 50 years ago.

“You know, part of me believes that she is out there living life and doesn't realize that I'm searching for her,” said Lisa. “What if she's out there and doesn't even know who she is anymore? Maybe somebody will recognize her.”

Lisa shares her sister’s story on the Appalachian Trail with her personal crafts dedicated to Brenda.

The last time Lisa saw her sister was March 4, 1974. Lisa, Brenda, and their three siblings lived in Gleatons Mobile Park located off Davis Road in Woodbridge, Virginia.   

That morning, Brenda left her house and walked to Fred Lynn Middle School, where she was a student. But Brenda never returned home after school. That night, when Brenda still had not shown up, her family contacted the police.

Police investigated and searched the area many times but there was no sign of her. Lisa said an employee at a nearby Greyhound bus station later remembered that Brenda purchased a ticket, but no one could verify whether she boarded a bus. 

Lisa says it's possible Brenda may have run away because of a strained relationship with their father. According to Lisa, Brenda confided in friends shortly before she vanished that she wanted to run away to Florida.  

Over the next 10 years, Brenda’s family worried about what happened to her. Then in January of 1985, after their father passed away, unexplained phone calls to the house made the family wonder if Brenda was trying to get in touch.

“We kept getting these calls where no one was on the other line,” explained Lisa. “My mom and sisters would answer and say, ‘Brenda if this is you, come home. Dad has passed away.’” 

Lisa said the caller never said anything and just hung up the phone after several minutes of silence. 

Photo of Brenda before she disappeared next to what Brenda may look like today.

March 4 marks 50 years since Brenda walked out the door and vanished. No one knows what happened to her, but one thing is clear: Lisa misses her big sister. 

“I was seven when she went missing. I only have photos of us together to look at and hold on to,” said Lisa. “I want her to come home.”

Take a good look at the age progression image of what Brenda may look like today. If you know anything about Brenda’s disappearance, call NCMEC 1-800-843-5678.

See Brenda's poster here: https://www.missingkids.org/poster/NCMC/1240282/1.