Jenell Nancy Brock, 85, wife of Allan Brock Sr., died on Saturday, April 16, 2016, at her home in Virginia Beach. Mrs. Brock, daughter of Richard C. Matherson, and his wife, Ruby Mull Matherson, was born in Belmont, N.C. in 1930.
She and Allan were local business owners who worked seven days a week at the family store, Brock’s Grocery. Later in life, she delivered the U.S. mail and worked many years at the Bay Breeze Fruit Stand. She enjoyed greeting vacationers from Sandbridge and locals from the community.
She and Allan were among the founders of the Pungo Strawberry Festival and was a tireless festival volunteer. The festival has given back over $1 million for local charities since its inception. Her love of volunteerism extended to the Virginia Beach School System, specifically at Creeds Elementary School, where she nurtured children in the classrooms.
At home, she was an avid gardener who took great joy in cooking and canning. She was a devoted wife, mother, aunt and grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her two sisters, Virginia Galloway and Odena Matherson; and brother, Kenneth Matherson.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son, Allan Brock Jr., and his wife, Laura Elizabeth Brock; grandsons, Wyatt and Davis Brock; nieces, Audrey Galloway, Nancy Matherson Longcoy and Charlene Smith; and nephew, David Matherson.
A graveside service to celebrate her life will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 21, at Charity Neck United Methodist Cemetery in Virginia Beach with Pastor Rob Roberson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be sent to Alzheimer’s Association, Southeastern Virginia, 6350 Center Drive, Suite 102, Norfolk, VA 23502.
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