A celebration of Staci Blakely’s life was held Wednesday at First Calvary Baptist Church of Leesville.

According to her Barr-Price Funeral Home obituary, the Lexington 1 school district teacher died of covid-19 complications on Saturday.

Blakely taught 3rd grade at Carolina Spring Elementary School, District 1 Chief Communications Officer Mary Beth Hill reported.

Blakely, 50, was born in Cheraw and was graduated from Gilbert High and Columbia College.

She had 28 years teaching experience and began her career at Virginia Park Elementary in Richland 1 in 1992 before joining Lexington 1 in 1999.

“She was passionate about teaching and was an advocate for reading,” according to her family.

“She loved the students she taught throughout her career.”

She also loved the SC beaches where she was “happy and at peace.”

She is survived by her husband Chris and daughters Lauren and Megan.

Her family allowed Lexington 1 to share news of her death with the public because they think it’s an important reminder about the serious nature of the virus.

“One of the ways we can celebrate her life is being sure that we continue to take care of each other,” Lexington 1 Supt. Greg Little said.

“Mrs. Blakely’s death is a tragedy. She was a wonderful, warm teacher who will be missed.”