Smiley was last seen at approximately 1:45 p.m. on June 6, 1985 in Atlanta, Georgia. She was seated on a bench outside the Omni International Hotel on Techwood Drive at approximately 2:00 p.m. Smiley's aunt, Estella Evans, left her and her cousin unattended while she attempted to purchase wrestling tickets a short distance away. Smiley may have walked to a nearby McDonald's restaurant shortly afterwards. When Evans returned, she was gone. Smiley has never been heard from again. An extensive search of the area produced no clues as to her whereabouts.

Smiley, was born in Birmingham, Alabama. She had lived with Evans and Evans's husband and children periodically since birth, as her own parents were financially unable to support her. She had been residing with Evans for eight months prior to her June 1985 disappearance. Evans describes her niece as an extremely friendly, trusting toddler. Authorities received a tip that Smiley may have been taken to Lakewood fairgrounds area shortly after her disappearance. No evidence was located at the scene. Smiley's case remains unsolved.