Lesley Aycock

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, Lesley Brooke Aycock, who left us on July 31, 2025, at the age of 43. Though her time with us was far too short, her light, laughter, and love touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Born in Greenville, MS, Lesley brought joy from the moment she arrived. Her kind heart, radiant smile, and vibrant spirit filled our lives with immeasurable happiness. Lesley made the world a more beautiful and meaningful place every day of her life.

Lesley was a cherished daughter, niece, cousin, friend, and teacher. She is survived by her loving parents, David and Holly Aycock of Lexington, SC; her uncle, Bruce Wade of Allen, TX; her aunts, Cheryl Norman (Bill) of Plano, TX, and Leesanne Holifield (Howard) of Ellisville, MS; along with many dear cousins. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends, who will continue to carry her spirit with them.

Lesley graduated from Converse College in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education: Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She went on to earn a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, and at the time of her passing, she was enrolled in a Master’s Program in Educational Leadership at the American College of Education.

After graduating from Converse, Lesley began her teaching career as a Deaf Education teacher at Beaufort Elementary. In 2006, she joined the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind (SCSDB) as a Special Education teacher at Cedar Springs Academy. There, she passionately prepared her students for the “real world,” even helping to co-create a student-run business that taught essential life skills, work ethic, and money management.

During her time at CSA, she also served as a coach for their Special Olympics team, including traveling to the USA Games in Seattle, WA, in 2018. In addition to coaching, she served as an interpreter for the games on behalf of the Special Olympics of South Carolina.

In 2019, she transitioned to the Deaf School at SCSDB, where she became a tireless advocate for her students and the Deaf community. She served as Director of the SCSDB Summer Camp program, an Extended School Year teacher, and as an Academic Bowl coach at Gallaudet University, where she guided and inspired her team through national competition.

In recognition of her extraordinary dedication, Lesley was named Teacher of the Year for the Deaf School in 2023 and later honored as the overall Teacher of the Year for SCSDB.

A Celebration of Lesley’s life will be held on August 9, 2025, at Mt Horeb Methodist Church, 1205 Old Cherokee Road, Lexington, SC. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, with a service to follow at 2:00 PM.

All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend.

The South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind (SCSDB) will also be remembering Lesley with a “Pink Out” celebration on what would have been her birthday—a joyful tribute to the color she loved and the spirit she shared with so many.

Though we mourn her loss deeply, we are grateful for every moment we shared. Lesley’s light will never fade—it lives on in every smile, every kind act, and every cherished memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in her memory be made to the Lesley Aycock Scholarship Fund at the SC School for the Deaf and Blind, Attn: Samuel Hook, 355 Cedar Springs Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29302.

Rest in peace, sweet Lesley. You will be forever loved and deeply missed.