HARRISBURG--Jackie Black's last action on earth was getting her great-grandchildren safely out of her burning home early Saturday.
But Black, 67, could not escape. She died in the Saturday morning blaze that destroyed her home in the 300 block of Emerald Street.
"She died a hero. She sacrificed her life for those kids," said Black's daughter, Antoinette Black, "and I just want everyone to know she was a great woman."
Two of the three kids, ages 6, 7 and 8, suffered burns that were treated at a hospital. They were released from the hospital Sunday.
"They're doing ok physically," Antoinette Black said, "but mentally, it's a process."
The kids relayed to relatives that Jackie Black tried several different ways to get them out of the house before resorting to the second-floor window about 8 a.m. Saturday.
"She didn't panic," Antoinette Black said. "She was calm getting the kids out. She didn't cry. I just don't know why she didn't get out."
Three firefighters also suffered minor burns while trying to rescue Black, said Fire Chief Brian Enterline. One firefighter had to hang out a window after a burning bedroom nearly flashed over in flames. Another firefighter emerged from the window with his protective gear on fire.
That firefighter's gear served its purpose and protected the firefighter, Enterline said. Two of the firefighters were treated at the scene and the third was checked out at a hospital and released.
The fire Saturday started in the dining room and fire officials believe they have narrowed down the items that could have sparked the blaze. But scientific tests are necessary which item "failed" to know for certain, Enterline said.
The smoke detectors in the home apparently were not working, which gave the fire time to gain power before anyone was alerted, Enterline said.
The fire chief said all evidence points to Jackie Black saving her great grandchildren. They all reportedly were asleep in various bedrooms when the fire started. Jackie Black's body was found in a smaller back bedroom where she had helped the children escape through the window.
Black had lived in the home for decades and was known for welcoming family, friends and neighbors alike. Her three great-grandchildren were staying with her at the time.
"It was always a revolving door at her house," Antoinette Black said about the fact that relatives were always staying over or visiting Jackie Black's home.
Family friend Jennifer Smallwood said she was one of the many people welcomed at the home.
"Jackie had a big heart for all people," Smallwood said. "Her home was the center for the entire family because she was at the core of it. Many are devastated by the loss of this beautiful and cherished spirit."
The fact that Black died while saving children "was innately her and a surprise to no one," Smallwood said.
Jackie Black had been married to Robert Burford for nearly 50 years. He was at work cleaning a laundromat down the street when the fire broke out.
The couple had two children, eight grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
Jackie and her husband both worked for decades at the Hershey Foods plant before retiring about three years ago. Jackie then got a part-time job at a local daycare center, working in the infants room, "doing what she loved to do: taking care of babies and kids," Antoinette Black said.
She was the best teacher, "hands-down," said co-worker Jasmine Green. "She was the sweetest person you will ever meet. She always did for us. She was like the 'Grandma' of our daycare. She cared for us like we were her family."
Every family-gathering or party occurred at Jackie Black's home, but now the home and all of its contents have been destroyed.
"We lost this house, my childhood house, so we took a double blow," Antoinette said. "Its' going to be hard now because she was the matriarch of our family."
Antoinette Black said remaining family members will pull together to support one another through this tragedy. Her father is staying with her now that his home was destroyed.
"We will do dinners at my house, so my house is now going to be the place to be."