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Stephanie Jones, 51, succumbed to her injuries on Saturday, June 14, days after she was pulled from a burning home with third-degree burns over 75 percent of her body, Howard County Police announced on Wednesday, June 18.
Jones passed peacefully, surrounded by her son, Marquis Owens, and siblings Nathan Jones, Melissa (Jones) Williams, and Laura Jones, her family said.
The fire broke out around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11, in the 7900 block of Dorsey Run Road, according to the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.
When crews arrived, they found heavy flames coming from the front of a two-story mixed-use building, which included both a residence and an office space linked to an auto repair shop.
Firefighters began battling the blaze and found Jones outside the home. She was rushed to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in critical condition.
“She's now in the Burn ICU at Johns Hopkins Bayview with 3rd-degree burns over 75 (percent) of her body,” Richard Williams wrote in a public Facebook post before her death.
“The doctors are blunt: survival is uncertain.”
It took about an hour to bring the fire under control. One firefighter was taken to the hospital for heat exhaustion, officials said.
Mutual aid was provided by Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, and Fort Meade. The residential portion of the building was destroyed.
The cause remains under investigation but is believed to be accidental, police said.
Jones was remembered as a devoted mother to three sons — and the primary caregiver to her grandson, Little Nijah.
"Stephanie was deeply loved and known for her immense kindness, strength, and compassion," her family said. "Her greatest joy was her family—especially caring for her 10-year-old grandson, Nijah Jr. (Little Nijah).
"The fire destroyed not only Stephanie’s possessions but also everything Nijah owned. Nijah was staying with Stephanie to attend school in her district, underscoring her dedication to his well-being and education."
Jones' grandson is safe and now back with his mother thanks to the support of CPS, family, and community coordination, the family said.
Now, the family is rallying to gather funds to address "significant and practical needs," which include funeral and memorial costs, immediate needs for Jones' grandson, and ongoing support and housing for the child.
The GoFundMe remains active following her death and can be found here.
"Every contribution—no matter the amount—is a powerful gesture of love, support, and community solidarity during this profoundly difficult period," organizers wrote.
"Your donations will directly aid in providing dignity to Stephanie’s memory, essential resources for Nijah’s immediate needs, and support the family through the journey ahead."
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