"Her love for the students and staff was evident the moment she walked through the doors," Griffin said. "She was always willing and eager to do whatever was needed at any time. She will be dearly missed by us all."

Griffin said social workers and counselors would be on hand all week at the school to assist students and staff members with the grieving process.

Gary native Renetta DuBois, a former reporter and anchor for Lakeshore Television, said Olga Meeks was an elementary school teacher of hers who became a friend.

"She was the sweetest person," DuBois said. "Very soft spoken, very calm and calming."

Olga Meeks taught Spanish at the former David L. Duncan Elementary School in Gary — now the Frankie W. McCullough Academy for Girls — across from the Delaney Community public housing complex, DuBois said.

"I could tell she genuinely cared about teaching us," DuBois said. "This was an all-black school and there was no difference between her and any of us, she treated everyone the same. She went out of her way to make sure we all excelled."

DuBois said she often turned to Olga Meeks for help, even in her broadcasting career.