A Walk of Remembrance for Crystal Gail Soles, who went missing seven years ago, took place on Main Street in Andrews on Saturday. It attracted more than 100 participants.
Crystal Soles was last seen at approximately 8:30 a.m. January 24, 2005 at the Shaw’s Corner Store in the vicinity of Jones Avenue and Main Street in Andrews. She has never been heard from again.
From that time on her mother, Gail Soles, has made every attempt to find her missing daughter, including working with CUE Center for Missing Persons. The organization is made up of volunteers that help families after the disappearance of a loved one.
“We are hoping this walk will get our community involved with Crystal’s missing person case,” Gail Soles said. “And we hope someone will remember seeing or hearing something.”
Soles said raising Crystal’s son Mitchell keeps her going.
According to Soles, the walk brings together friends and family members, along with the community, in remembering her daughter.
The families of missing family members Brittanee Drexel, Brandon Graves and Gabrielle Swainson, as well as the CUE Center for Missing Persons, also took part in the walk.
Brandon Graves’ mother Martha German said the family continues to pray for answers. German raised Graves since he was 3 after the death of his mother.
He was last seen January 30, 2010 in Sumter County. Fifteen-year-old Gabrielle Swainson was abducted from her home in Columbia on August 18, 2012. Gabrielle’s mother, Elvia Swainson, said she continues to pray for her daughter’s safe return. She believes her daughter will come home safely.
Brittanee Drexel’s mother said throughout her nightmare, she has managed to meet so many wonderful people, including Gail Soles, who is a friend and they support each other. Brittanee Drexel was last seen on April 25, 2009, in Myrtle Beach.
By Barbara Gengler
For The Times