White Knoll, SC (Paul Kirby) 12/07/2020 - A Lexington School District One teacher has died from complications of COVID-19. Staci A. Blakely taught 3rd grade at Carolina Springs Elementary School off Platt Springs Road in the White Knoll community. She passed on Saturday, December 5, 2020.
According to the school district, Blakely began her career as a second and third-grade teacher in Richland County School District One in 1992. She moved to Lexington District One in 1999 where she taught until her passing some 28 years after she began her career. Todd Brown, principal at Carolina Springs, informed the school's other staff members Sunday.
Lexington One Superintendent Greg Little said in a short statement that Mrs. Blakely’s family had asked for privacy at this time. He referred to her as wonderful, warm teacher who will be missed, and said her family wanted everyone to remember the importance of taking this disease seriously. Little said that one of the ways that everyone could join to celebrate Mrs. Blakely’s life was to continue to take care of each other.
Lexington School District One leaders said over the weekend that additional counselors will be available at school Monday for students who are struggling with the loss. Blakely’s funeral will be held on Wednesday of this week.
