Family releases statement of thanks Saturday:
"The Briley family would like to thank everyone who helped with the search of Barbara and La'Mayra Briley. Your thoughtfulness and prayers will always be remembered and never forgotten. ... Words could never explain how thankful we are to everyone who helped with sharing, posting, reposting and getting the word out about our loved ones. My heart is overwhelmed with joy and praise. The Briley family is so grateful and appreciative for all the love and support, no matter how big or small, that was shown to my family."
The family also asked that their time for reuniting and healing be respected, and that they will give a formal report at a later time.
What was to be a prayer vigil for a missing woman and her great-granddaughter became a thankful celebration at Atlantic City's Second Baptist Church on Thursday night.
Barbara Briley, 71, disappeared while driving from Mays Landing to North Carolina with her 5-year-old great-granddaughter, La'Mayra.
The two were still missing when a prayer vigil was planned for Thursday.
But on Wednesday, a
Virginia man found Briley's SUV on his property with the woman and child inside.
Briley was unresponsive and remains in critical condition in a Virginia hospital. But the congregation at her Atlantic City church are hopeful as they've gotten the Christmas miracle they had hoped for: the two found alive.
"It gives everybody hope in a hopeless world," said Jodi Burroughs.
Charmaine Hall said she never lost hope as she prayed for God to send an angel to her friend.
Briley has been like a mother to her after Hall lost her own mom to cancer in 2010.
The Rev. Collins Days was leaving for Virginia on Wednesday when he got word from Briley's family that she and La'Myra had been found alive in Dinwiddie County, Virginia.
Rather than celebrate Christmas, Briley's family spent hours driving from North Carolina to Virginia and back, hoping to find the missing pair, Days said.
They had last been seen at an Exxon gas station in Ruther Glen, Virginia.
It's not yet been released what medical episode Briley may have suffered.
Those gathered at Second Baptist were just grateful she had been found, and that little La'Myra seemed in good condition.
"I think she got her great-grandmother through it," Hall said.
The church has already sent money to Virginia to help the family with hotel expenses while staying there as Briley recuperates. They will continue to collect for the family.
