Brandi “BO” Owensby Lexington, South Carolina, Obituary, Death: The Lexington community is mourning the loss of Brandi Owensby, a teacher at White Knoll High School in Lexington School District 1, whose sudden passing has left a profound void among her students, colleagues, and loved ones. Known affectionately as “Bo,” Owensby’s impact extended far beyond the classroom, touching countless lives with her unwavering dedication, compassion, and infectious positivity.
Owensby’s contributions to education, particularly through her work with the White Knoll High School (WKHS) Theatre Department, have been celebrated by former students and colleagues. Her legacy as an inspiring educator and a mentor who provided a safe haven for students will live on in the hearts of those she influenced.
A Guiding Light for Students
Brandi Owensby was more than a teacher—she was a beacon of light for the many students who entered her classroom. Her ability to make each student feel valued and understood was unmatched. As one former student, Karla Mendez, shared:
“You made my high school experience the best it ever was. Walking into your classroom always made me feel 10 times better. You were so positive, so supportive, and so understanding. When I needed a one-on-one with you, you made me feel seen and heard.”
Owensby’s passion for teaching theater inspired students to find their voices and express themselves creatively. Her encouragement and unwavering support transformed her classroom into a sanctuary where students could grow and thrive, both personally and artistically.
Many students remember her fondly for the warmth and kindness she exuded, as well as the lasting lessons she imparted. One of her favorite quotes, frequently displayed on her classroom walls, epitomized her approach to teaching and life:
“Ohana means family, family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.”
A Mentor, Mother Figure, and Friend
For many, Owensby was more than a teacher; she was a mentor and, in some cases, a parental figure. Former student Elizabeth Braun reflected on the pivotal role Owensby played in her life, sharing heartfelt memories of their time together:
“Bo was like a mother to me. During my senior year, I spent nearly every lunch period with her in Room 302, and those moments meant the world to me. She made me feel welcome and accepted during a time when I felt lost and alone. She changed my life for the better.”
Owensby’s ability to connect with students on a deeply personal level made her a trusted confidante and a source of stability for those who needed it most. Her gestures of kindness, whether as simple as sharing a meal or offering words of encouragement, left an indelible mark on the lives of her students.
One cherished tradition in the WKHS Theatre Department’s annual revue and awards show was the opportunity for a senior to perform alongside Owensby. Braun recalled the special moment she shared with Owensby during one such event, singing Closing Time by Semisonic:
“Performing that song with Bo felt like a perfect goodbye. I told her she had been like a mother to me, and I loved her to death. Those memories are among the most meaningful of my life.”
A Life Dedicated to Helping Others
Owensby’s dedication to her students and her craft was evident in every aspect of her work. She poured her heart into creating a space where students felt supported, encouraged, and valued. Her colleagues admired her ability to balance professionalism with genuine care, while her students appreciated her authenticity and the love she showed to everyone she encountered.
Her passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance from former students, many of whom credit Owensby with changing their lives for the better. Social media has been flooded with tributes, anecdotes, and messages of gratitude for the positive impact she had on her students’ lives.
A Legacy of Love and Inspiration
Though her time was cut tragically short, Brandi Owensby’s legacy lives on through the lives she touched. She leaves behind a community forever changed by her kindness, wisdom, and dedication to helping others succeed.
Her contributions to the WKHS Theatre Department and the broader Lexington School District 1 community will not be forgotten. Plans to honor her memory are already underway, with students, alumni, and colleagues expressing a desire to ensure her legacy endures.
In her absence, Owensby’s students and colleagues are left to carry forward the values she embodied—compassion, perseverance, and the belief that everyone deserves to feel valued and seen.
As Elizabeth Braun aptly expressed:
“Bo dedicated her life to helping children in need, and I hope she knew before the end that she succeeded. The world will be less bright without her in it, but her light will continue to shine in all of us who were fortunate enough to know her.”
Remembering Brandi Owensby
Brandi Owensby’s life was a testament to the power of compassion, creativity, and the unwavering belief in the potential of others. Her students and colleagues will remember her as a teacher who not only imparted knowledge but also nurtured hearts and minds.
As the Lexington community mourns her loss, they also celebrate the extraordinary life she led—a life dedicated to making a difference, one student at a time.
Rest in peace, Brandi Owensby. You will always be remembered as an educator, mentor, and friend who left an indelible mark on the world.
