Brenda Brock

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, Brenda Brock was a blessing in the lives of her family and friends. She was a longtime resident of the community she loved, and with a warm and genuine personality she had a way of making others feel at ease. Brenda loved being a wife and mother, but there was nothing that was better than becoming a grandmother later in life. She was a woman of faith whose selfless compassion was easy to see. Life will never be the same without Brenda here, but she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

It only seems fitting that Brenda’s journey began during a time that was as colorful as she was. It was the 1950s when James Dean and Marilyn Monroe became household names while Elvis Presley took the music world by storm. Within the world around us, our journey to learn more about space was beginning to grow, and by the end of the decade we welcomed both Alaska and Hawaii as our 49th and 50th states. It was just as this exciting decade was dawning that Ralph and Glenda (Yancy) Wood were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as the heat of the summer held Paragould, Arkansas, firmly in its grip in August of 1950. The big day finally arrived when the baby girl they named Brenda Joan drew her first breath on August 26th. She was the oldest of three Wood children as she was raised in the family home alongside her younger brothers, Ralph and Stephen. Brenda and her family lived in Paragould for only a short time before moving to St. Louis. Her father worked retreading tires while her mother was a waitress. When she was around 14, her family moved to Romulus, Michigan. Wherever she was living, Brenda attended local schools, and she went to high school in the Downriver area. Later on, she earned her associate’s degree in applied science from Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

Throughout her life there was never anything of greater significance than her loved ones. Her life was forever changed when she met the man of her dreams. His name was Paul Brock, and they met through Brenda’s brother, Ralph. They began dating and soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Brenda and Paul were married on November 22, 1975. She was also blessed to become a mother to her four children, Gary, Andy, Scott, and Melanie. Brenda’s family fully appreciated her skills in the kitchen as being raised in the South made her a fantastic cook. There wasn’t anyone who was able to make a Thanksgiving spread quite like she could.

Later in life, Brenda was filled with unspeakable joy to become a grandmother. She was an active part of her grandchildren’s lives, and it was easy to see that Jacob, Kurt, Emma, Leia, and Maggie were the light of her life. Brenda enjoyed taking them on adventures to places like Binder Park Zoo and the St. Joseph County Fair. On one occasion, Brenda even took her grandson, Kurt, on the trip of a lifetime when they went to the Grand Canyon.

Although there was nothing of greater significance in her life than her family, Brenda kept busy with a variety of things. She spent some time working for the Vicksburg Library, and she also worked at Brady Township Hall. Brenda’s favorite color was blue, and she enjoyed reading, gardening, and doing puzzles. A woman of faith, her favorite passages were Philippians 2 and 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. Although Brenda did enjoy being at home, she also loved being in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula.

All who knew Brenda Brock would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was spiritual and ethical with a moral compass that was deeply rooted in the faith she held close to her heart. Life was not always easy for Brenda, but she faced whatever came her way with grace, strength, and courage that were truly inspiring. Deeply loved, she will be forever missed.

Brenda J. Brock of Vicksburg passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2017. Brenda is survived by her four children: Gary Alvord, of Kalamazoo; Andy (Amy) Brock, of Scotts; Scott Brock, of Kalamazoo; and Melanie (Mike Stephens) Brock, of Portage; five grandchildren: Jacob, Kurt, Emma, Leia, and Maggie. Brenda was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; parents: Ralph and Glenda Wood; mother and father-in-law: Carol and Allen Brock; siblings: Ralph and Stephen Wood. A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 12 noon at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697). The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service starting at 11a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Please visit Brenda’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook, share a memory and/or photo. Those who wish may make contributions to American Cancer Society.