ANNAPOLIS — Portia Latrice Jones, 44, was remembered this week not just as a familiar face in the community but as a person taken too soon when winter’s worst struck her during a simple walk. Jones was found unresponsive on Jan. 28 along the hiking trail near the tennis courts at Truxtun Park, a favorite spot for neighbors who enjoy quiet paths and fresh air.
Police say first responders arrived about 2:36 p.m. after someone called to report a person down on the trail. The weather had been bitterly cold with snow and ice covering parts of the city, and investigators believe Jones slipped on the icy surface. Once on the ground, she was exposed to the extreme temperatures and later died from the effects of the cold. No signs of foul play were found, and authorities are awaiting the final autopsy report.
Friends and neighbors describe Jones as warm, kind, and someone who brought light to everyday moments. She had moved from California to Annapolis and quickly became part of the community, often recognized by those who saw her walking around town. People who knew her still speak of her generosity and willingness to brighten the day of anyone she met.
Her family and close friends are now left facing a hole that can’t easily be filled. They remember her for laughter shared, support given, and the love she showed to those around her. In casual conversations and heartfelt remembrances, many talk about how she made others feel valued and seen. Those stories now linger in the memories of the people who cherished her presence.
The community has responded with an outpouring of sympathy. Residents have paused to reflect on the fragility of life in the coldest days of the year and to send thoughts and prayers to her family. Many expressed how shocking it is that a routine walk on a familiar trail could end in such a tragedy.
Local officials used the incident as a reminder of the dangers that extreme cold can pose to anyone, especially when icy conditions make even short walks risky. Annapolis police urged people to check on neighbors, look out for one another, and call 911 if they see someone in distress from the cold.
Though Jones’ life was cut short, the kindness she showed others lives on in the hearts of those who knew her. In the quiet of Truxtun Park and in the reflections of her friends and family, her presence remains a testament to a life of quiet warmth and connection.
