Rebecca L. Brock-Iverson

REBECCA LEE BROCK-IVERSON, the daughter of the late Edward and Mary Owens, was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia on January 10, 1902. She was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 17, 2006. During her youth in Virginia Beach, she picked strawberries beside her husband James C. Brock, Sr. Of this union they had five children: Wallace, Mildred, Dorothy, Rudolph and James Jr. They eventually moved to Baltimore, Maryland where, after a few moves, they settled in the house on Presbury Street, which became known as "Mama's House." Her family was the first African-American family to live on that block. In 1967, James C. Brock Sr. passed away. In 1985, Rebecca married Elliott Iverson who passed away a few years later. "Beck" or "Mama," as she was known, was a great Humanitarian who loved people, and people loved her. She was a hard-working woman and a great matriarch. She dearly loved The Lord. In 2001, she was featured in the Baltimore Magazine. When asked what contributed to her longevity, she credited her own lasting health to "treating people right." That treatment included making homemade applesauce, canning peaches, preserves, making quilts, fried corn for sick neighbors and friends, and always making collard greens for her traditional family Christmas dinner. She loved balloons, stuffed animals, dolls and playing dominoes. She was a member of Wayland Baptist Church for over fifty years. When she arrived at Church, her finery included two-inch heels, magnificent hats and she brought the Holy Spirit with her. She belonged to the Henson's Ministry, the Missionary Club, the Matrons and the Seniors Ministry. When she turned 100 in 2002, Wayland Baptist Church sent "Beck" and her granddaughter "Patty" to Disney World to celebrate her birthday. Disney World was also celebrating their 100th Birthday. "Beck" was made the Grand Marshal of the parade, received four Birthday Cakes and was welcomed at each location. Each year thereafter, Disney sent "Beck" birthday gifts. Though she lived through the whole 20th century history, several world conflicts, the advent of flight and the Civil Rights movement of the 60's, she was most concerned about the state of things right now. Three of her children pre-deceased her, Mildred, Rudolph and Dorothy. She leaves to cherish her loving memory: two sons, Wallace Sr. and James Brock Jr.; three daughters-in-law, Ruby, Marie and Arnette Brock; grandchildren, Wallace Jr., Wayne, Roger, Linda, Leslie, Gary, Angie, Patricia, Vincent, Stephanie, JoAnn, Keith, Michelle, Rhonda, Tracey, Adrian, Algernon, Rudolph Jr., Robin and the late Paul, the late Sandra and the late Harold; numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, great-great-great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends, especially Mae Forbes, Florine Camphor, Virginia Day and Mr. and Mrs. John Wells.

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Rebecca L. Brock-Iverson

January 10, 1902 - January 17, 2006