Wife of former St. Clair County tax assessor found in Springfield

Joyce McKinney is home safe.

The wife of former St. Clair County tax assesser Percy McKinney went missing at around noon Tuesday. She had left the couple’s East St. Louis home to pick up their dog from a pet groomer in Fairview Heights.

By 10 p.m., a missing person report had been filed with police and friends and family had shared her photo widely across social media.

Percy McKinney confirmed Wednesday afternoon that police in Springfield, Illinois located his 72-year-old wife in her silver Mercedes Benz E350.

“I just kissed her face,” said McKinney’s niece, Kim Hunt, who was one of several family members who posted fliers, and contacted media and posted on Facebook. ”We are all so happy to have her home safe. She is such a kindred spirit.”

Percy McKinney’s first reaction to the news that his wife was found safe was “God is good.”

“We are truly blessed and thankful for the community, family and friends support we received,” he said.

Joyce McKinney had a smile on her face when she saw her husband and other family and friends Wednesday morning when she arrived home, McKinney said.

Champ, the little black dog whose trip to the groomer set off Tuesday’s events, also is home safe.

”He was all over us,” McKinney said. “This was the first time I have ever seen him do a flip.”

Information about Joyce McKinney’s physical and mental health have not been provided.

This story was originally published March 11, 2020 at 2:34 PM.