MBS, BWF Remember Mrs. Cleo Lackey

Our Mountain Brook Schools and Brookwood Forest Elementary family mourn the recent loss of Mrs. Cleo Lackey. Mrs. Lackey served as the BWF school librarian for the last 51 years and was by far the district’s longest serving employee.
For over half a century, Mrs. Lackey empowered generations of students by teaching them to read and cultivate a passion for learning through books in her library.
We love and miss her and will be forever thankful for her impact leading Rangers at Brookwood Forest Elementary.
See the letter from BWF Principal, Nathan Pitner, sent to the BWF family last week below:
Dear Brookwood Forest Family,
It is with heavy hearts that we share the extremely sad news of the sudden passing of our BWF librarian, Cleo Lackey. She passed away at her home over the weekend. Her passing will undoubtedly have a significant impact on our entire school community, and we are grieving alongside her family, friends, and all those who knew her.
Two weeks ago, three people returning for their 40 year reunion at MBHS asked if they could return to tour BWF. When they arrived their first question was whether Mrs. Lackey was still in the library at BWF. Their second question was whether they could go give her a hug. For the last 51 years, the answer to both of those questions has always been yes for every single Ranger that has passed through this school. Her love and devotion to our school and our Rangers has been a constant in our Family in the Forest. Last year we found a note in the library that a graduating sixth grader had shared with Mrs. Lackey. The thank you note was very simple. “You were the first person to say hello to me when I was nervous about starting kindergarten. You told me that everything was going to be ok and walked me to my class.” We can’t imagine two stories that better illustrate the kind of legacy that Mrs. Lackey will leave behind.
The idea of loss is never easy, and this passing will affect us all differently. Students, staff, and families alike may experience a range of emotions in response to this news. It is important that we respond to any signs of distress in our students, as some may need additional support. If you believe your child would benefit from speaking with a counselor, please don’t hesitate to contact Ashley Elliott. Parents, we are sharing this information with you today so that you have a chance to share this with your child/children in the way you think is most appropriate for them.
Our library will stay open in the coming days. Mrs. Lackey wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. That said, we will also welcome a Crisis Team made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents, and personnel in difficult times such as these. We have counselors available for any student who may need or want help or any type of assistance surrounding this loss.