Stranger helps reunite woman with lost charm honoring late grandmother

OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — A family trip to Oak Island took an emotional turn for one woman after she lost a charm with a deep personal meaning. 

But thanks to a stranger with a metal detector and a big heart, that piece, and a piece of her peace of mind, were found. 

While vacationing with family in Oak Island, Lillie Blankenship lost something deeply personal, a special charm from her necklace. 

“I had just gotten there like the day we got there, I stepped out into the water, and I felt it detach from the chain on my neck, and I like instantly was freaking out and I just knew it was gone,” Blankenship recalled. 

The charm was engraved with the fingerprint of her late grandmother, a woman who Blankenship remembers as a people person who helped others without hesitation. 

She shared her story in a Facebook post and connected with John Connor, a local historian and recovery specialist. 

“And it goes beyond words. I knew what I was doing for someone and the way she worded it and put it together and explained herself, it was a shot a long shot and that’s all you need,” Connor said. 

Connor grabbed his equipment and headed to the beach shortly after midnight, in time for low tide.  

“I knew that her nickname was ‘Lillie Bug’ and I knew what this meant to her. So, when I got to the beach, I called out to the wind and said, ‘I’m here to help Lillie Bug’ and within 20 minutes I found her personal belonging,” Connor explained. 

Blankenship said she never realized just how strong her connection to the necklace was until it was gone. 

“I didn’t realize how much the charm actually meant to me until I thought it was gone forever. Then when he sent me the picture, I was instantly so emotional and happy,” Blankenship shared. 

Connor said he’s just glad he could help a stranger turned friend, and happy Blankenship trusted in humanity. 

“We have a lot in common; we really do. So, if we just take the time to explain each other’s story it can be very inspiring for on another. I think instead of having a tough heart and soft skin, we just need to have tough skin and a softer heart,” Connor emphasized. 

After Connor spoke with us, he shipped the charm to Blankenship so she could reunite with her sentimental item. 

Connor adds he is happy to help people recover items and the best way to reach out to him is via Facebook.