Avis Thomascina Anderson, a 58‑year‑old African‑American woman, was last seen near her residence in the 4000–4500 block of Wesley Drive in Tallahassee, Florida, on or around **September 30 or October 1, 2020**. According to official records, her family reported her missing to the Tallahassee Police Department on **October 13, 2020**. At that time she was described as approximately 5 ft 8 in tall, weighing around 130 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes; this personal information is recorded under NamUs case number MP76335.
Neighbors had reported seeing her outside her home prior to her disappearance, and raised concerns when they observed an ajar front door and packages accumulating on her stoop over time. Law enforcement conducted multiple searches of the residence, including deployment of cadaver dogs, but initially found no trace of Anderson or evidence of what happened to her.
In early June 2022, a worker hired to clean out the property—recently sold at auction—entered the former Anderson residence and discovered a decomposed human body inside. The Tallahassee Police Department immediately initiated a death investigation at the scene, located in the **4500 block of Wesley Drive**, and worked with the medical examiner’s office to identify the remains and determine the cause and manner of death.
While the body was strongly believed to be that of Avis Anderson, confirmation awaited DNA analysis and full forensic examination by the medical examiner. As of the latest public updates, the investigation remained active, with authorities urging anyone with information to contact the Tallahassee PD or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Anderson’s family had emphasized that her disappearance was out of character. Loved ones described her as a “loving, faithful person,” though she reportedly struggled with substance abuse. They stressed that she would not have chosen to vanish intentionally, and had not accessed her bank accounts or paid her bills since her disappearance; personal property and mail had begun piling up, and the home was declared vacant by the city.
The case had garnered attention through NamUs, Charley Project, and regional media outlets, though public details remained limited. The investigating agencies have confirmed that they are continuing efforts to establish a positive identification and to determine exactly what happened to Avis Anderson in the fall of 2020.
Last Seen: Oct 01, 2020
