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DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — A North Carolina university will hold a gathering as the school mourns the death of a young woman student who was killed last month in Robeson County.
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Kianna T. Jones, 24, of Rowland, who was also the mother of a toddler, was found dead inside a car in Lumberton on the night of August 20, according to the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office.
Jones was a junior behavioral and social sciences major at North Carolina Central University in Durham, the school said in a news release.
Her funeral is planned for Sunday afternoon in Fairmont, also in Robeson County. A visitation was held Saturday evening.
“Affectionately known as ‘Sunshine’, Kianna was a native of Lumberton, North Carolina, whose vibrant spirit touched many lives,” the N.C. Central news release said.
Jones was also a make-up artist and student ambassador for several clothing brands, the release said.
“But the role she cherished most was being a mother to her 2-year-old daughter,” N.C. Central Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon said in the release. “She worked hard to create a bright future for her while pursuing her own dreams with grace, passion and drive.”
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N.C. Central said Jones was also a member of Curve Appeal, the university’s first full-figured student modeling troupe.
Cedrione K. McDowell, 22, of Lumberton, was arrested two days after Jones was killed and charged with first-degree murder, Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said.
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Wilkins said the suspect also tried to kill Martev Gunter of St. Pauls, who was with Jones on Indian Heritage Road in Lumberton.
Officials said N.C. Central University will observe a moment of silence on Tuesday in the NCCU Student Center during the 10:40 a.m. break.
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The university said the remembrance will give “our community an opportunity to come together, reflect and honor her life.”
N.C. Central University Chancellor Dixon spoke about Jones in the news release.
“Please keep Kianna’s family, friends and all who knew her in your thoughts and prayers,” Dixon wrote.
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