LOWNDES CO., Ga. – One woman, recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, succumbed to injuries from a house fire on Wednesday, November 20, 2019.

Sharon Holland, of 117 Bernice Drive, was the only one in her home at the time of the fire.

The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office was the first on the scene and reported the home was fully engulfed.

According to Holland’s son, Anthony Tong, a neighbor saw the fire but didn’t have a phone and ran a couple of houses down to use someone else’s phone. By the time the Lowndes County Fire & Rescue were on the scene, the roof had fallen in and there was no way to enter.

The call came in at 5:16 p.m. and, first responders were dispatched at 5:17 p.m. and arrived at 5:21 p.m., according to Lowndes County Public Information Officer Paige Dukes.

Reports indicate the fire started in the kitchen.

Son Anthony Tong said that his stepfather had gone to work and cooked for her prior to leaving, but he suspects she might have tried to cook something on her own after taking her medication.

This unexpected tragedy has left the family needing help for Mrs. Holland’s final arrangement.

Family and friends have created a GoFundMe to help with homegoing arrangements and recovery from the fire, Tong said.

On Wednesday evening November 20th 2019, the home of Tim and Sharon Holland in Valdosta, Georgia caught on fire. Tim was not home at the time, however, Sharon was. Unfortunately, she was not able to make it out of the home in time. In this tragic event, Tim not only lost his home and all of his possessions, he also lost his wife and life partner. Family friends and loved ones are now raising funds to help Tim with the acquisition of necessities such as clothing, medication, and temporary lodging, as well as assistance with the homegoing arrangements for Mrs. Sharon Holland. Sharon is remembered through her husband, and her two children, Anthony “Tony” Tong and Christopher Taylor.

GoFundMe fundraiser page

Any and all contributions are appreciated.