UPDATE:

The missing mother of Jacksonville State University head Football Coach John Grass was found dead this morning.

The body of Virginia Dugger Grass, 78, was found about 9:30 a.m. in a pond three-quarters of a mile from her home, said St. Clair County Assistant Sheriff Billy Murray. She disappeared sometime between 9 p.m. Sunday and 7 a.m. Monday from 1227 Bucks Valley Road.

Odenville police announced her disappearance Monday morning, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency on Monday night issued a new alert. Grass has blue eyes, grey hair and suffers from dementia.

Grass celebrated the holiday with family Sunday and then disappeared overnight. Family members said in a Facebook post that she has been battling Alzheimer’s for about five years.

Nearly 200 people have been searching for her by air, on foot and on horseback.

The sheriff’s office released this statement: “The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, on behalf of the family, would like to thank all volunteers, searchers, and agencies who assisted in locating Ms. Grass. Our thoughts and prayers now turn to Ms. Grass’s family.”

Coach Grass released this statement via Twitter: “My family appreciates your love and support for us during this time. Momma was a lady who loved her family, the community, church and served 35 years as a bus driver. She was a special woman with a big heart. My mom is at home now where she wanted to be.”

PREVIOUSLY REPORTED|

A Missing Senior Alert has now been issued, for the 78 year old mother of Jacksonville State University Head Football Coach John Grass.   

Virginia Dugger Grass disappeared from her 1227 Bucks Valley Road location sometime on Sunday night or early Monday, between the hours of 9:00 and 7:00.

She was last seen wearing a black shirt and black pants.

On Monday the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office had search teams on foot and also brought in a helicopter. 

The Odenville Police Department and Alabama State Troopers are also assisting.

Family members say the woman has battled Alzheimer’s for approximately five years.

The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office can be contacted at (205) 629-3333.

(al.com/www.al.com)