August 9, 2025

Remembering Educator Lesley Brooke Aycock

News Summary

Lesley Brooke Aycock, an influential educator and advocate for the Deaf community, passed away at 43, leaving a legacy of compassion and commitment. Known for her vibrant spirit, she contributed greatly to education and was recognized as Teacher of the Year. A memorial service will be held to honor her life and impact.

Lexington, SC – Lesley Brooke Aycock, a dedicated educator and advocate for the Deaf community, passed away on July 31, 2025, at the age of 43. Her passing has left a profound void in the hearts of many who knew her, celebrated for her kind heart, radiant smile, and vibrant spirit.

Lesley was born in Greenville, Mississippi, where she brought joy to her family and friends from the moment she was born. She is survived by her parents, David and Holly Aycock, of Lexington, South Carolina. Additionally, her family includes her uncle Bruce Wade of Allen, Texas, aunts Cheryl Norman (Bill) of Plano, Texas, and Leesanne Holifield (Howard) of Ellisville, Mississippi, along with many dear cousins.

Her educational achievements were notable, having graduated from Converse College in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education, specializing in Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Lesley continued her academic pursuits by earning a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and was enrolled in a Master’s Program in Educational Leadership at the American College of Education at the time of her passing.

Lesley began her teaching career as a Deaf Education teacher at Beaufort Elementary before joining the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind (SCSDB) in 2006 as a Special Education teacher at Cedar Springs Academy. At Cedar Springs, she co-created a student-run business aimed at equipping students with essential life skills, work ethic, and money management. In addition, she served as a coach for the Special Olympics team at Cedar Springs Academy and played a vital role at the USA Games held in Seattle, Washington, in 2018 as an interpreter for the Special Olympics of South Carolina.

In 2019, Lesley transitioned to the Deaf School at SCSDB, where she became a passionate advocate for her students and the Deaf community. Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom; she held several positions at SCSDB including Director of the Summer Camp program, Extended School Year teacher, and Academic Bowl coach at Gallaudet University. In 2023, recognizing her exceptional contributions to education, she was awarded the title of Teacher of the Year for the Deaf School, followed by an honor as the overall Teacher of the Year for SCSDB.

To commemorate and celebrate Lesley’s life, a memorial service will take place on August 9, 2025, at Mt. Horeb Church, located at 1205 Old Cherokee Road in Lexington, SC. The visitation is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM, with the service following at 2:00 PM. The SCSDB community will also pay tribute to her with a “Pink Out” celebration on what would have marked her birthday, honoring her favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in memory of Lesley to the Lesley Aycock Scholarship Fund at SCSDB. Contributions can be sent to Attn: Samuel Hook, 355 Cedar Springs Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29302.

Lesley Brooke Aycock’s legacy as an educator, mentor, and friend will continue to inspire those she has impacted throughout her life. Her dedication to her students and the Deaf community serves as a shining example of compassion and commitment in the field of education.