HAZLE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Family and friends are remembering, a fallen community leader, a mother, first responder, and friend whose life was taken far too soon.
28/22's Brian Orbin shows us how the community gathered today to honor her memory.
Dozens of people rallied Sunday in Hazle Township around a name they'll never forget: Jessica Lockwood.
Lockwood was murdered in April in Hazleton.
But today, her memory lives on through community, kids, and the love she had for her own two children.
When speaking with those who knew Lockwood, you can tell that their love runs deep for a dear friend.
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"It's a sense of peace. We can definitely feel jess is here today. We turned it around and we can only thank jess for that," expressed Amanda Bidgood, Lockwood's best friend.
Her two best friends organized the benefit at Harwood Fire Department. It featured basket raffles, food vendors, handmade crafts, and live music.
Organizers say she'd never want the spotlight, but would be proud of the reason behind it.
"She hates this type of stuff. She'd probably be kicking us right now, but I'm hoping she knows we're doing it for a good cause, for her kids," stated Bidgood
The event benefitting Jessica's children, ages 14 and 11, brought together neighbors, friends, and even strangers.
Lockwood served as a volunteer firefighter and ambulance worker with Harwood.
Her friends say she gave everything to the community, and now the community is giving back.
"Jessica was a very heartwarming person. She would literally give you the shirt off her back. She would probably break down and cry, and just be speechless. Because that's how she was," said Kristie Herron, Lockwood's lifelong friend.
Lockwood's accused killer, Terence Ray, faces a preliminary hearing august 1.
Her friends say they are thankful for Sunday's turnout that shows her children how loved she really was.
