25 Years Later: A Mother's Search Continues

LEBANON, Tenn. - Feb. 19, 2026 - PRLog -- Twenty-five years ago, an 11-year-old girl named Bethany Markowski disappeared from Jackson, Tennessee. Her case was never solved. Her mother, Jonnie Carter, never stopped searching.

On March 4, 2026 — the 25th anniversary of Bethany's disappearance and Tennessee's officially recognized Missing Children's Day — Carter will host the inaugural Tennessee Missing Children's Day Community Event at Capitol Theatre in Lebanon, Tennessee. Free and open to the public.

"This night is about Bethany," said Jonnie Carter, Foundation Chair and Bethany's mother. "She is still missing. From this moment forward, all of our nonprofit efforts will be carried out in Bethany's name. She deserves to be remembered — not just tonight, but always. Don't forget her."

ABOUT THE EVENT

The evening includes a speaker program, FREE children's fingerprinting (ages 1–17), child safety education resources, silent auction, kids' corner, and a candlelight vigil honoring all of Tennessee's missing children. Donations and auction participation benefit the foundation's free family support services.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

The Bethany Markowski Foundation, Inc. (EIN: 41-2321010) is a Wilson County, Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting families of missing children and promoting child safety education statewide. All services are free to families in crisis. The foundation exists to provide the coordinated support system that didn't exist when Bethany disappeared 25 years ago.

TENNESSEE MISSING CHILDREN: BY THE NUMBERS

• 500–600 children reported missing in Tennessee every month
• Tennessee ranked 7th nationally for missing persons in 2025
• 932 active missing children cases remain open statewide

ABOUT BETHANY MARKOWSKI

Bethany Markowski was 11 years old when she disappeared from Jackson, Tennessee on March 4, 2001. Her case remains open under active TBI investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND or NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST. Tips may be anonymous.

Media assets and full press kit: https://bethanymarkowski.com/press

Contact: media@bethanymarkowski.com | (615) 784-3287

If you are personally affected by a missing child emergency, contact NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.