Rosa Leona Brock

Rosa Leona Brock, 86, died peacefully in her sleep on April 11 in Melbourne, Florida. Known lovingly by many as Rosa Lee, she held many endearing names including Aunt Rosie, MaMaw, Grammy, Gee, and Mama.

Born in Charleston, West Virginia on August 01, 1934 to Raymond and Belva Gloyd McNew, she grew up in Ripley, graduated “Dear Old” Ripley High School in 1952, and enjoyed working at the local Alpine Theatre. After a brief visit to Florida, she decided to make it home in 1956 and began her new life working for Southern Bell. Within weeks of moving to Florida, she was introduced to Rubin Rosburn Brock who knew upon meeting her he’d found his future wife. Three months later, they married on August 03, 1956 in Sebastian, FL, and subsequently had three children. While raising their children, she worked as a switchboard supervisor at Brevard Hospital, later known as Holmes Regional Medical Center, for 31 years before retiring. She then worked at the Hibiscus OB/GYN for ten years before finally settling into retired life. In her later years, she was a member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church and enjoyed volunteering for its Genesis (food) Pantry.

She loved knitting afghans for family and friends and would make especially-quick work of those needles and yarn when a baby was on the way. If she wasn’t knitting-and-pearling, she loved crossword puzzles, romance novels, and Hallmark movies. Her most famous ritual was undoubtedly putting a dollar in everyone’s birthday card, and looking on in delight as they held it proudly in the air.

She was happiest when surrounded by her family, and was lovingly called “twinkle toes” as she smiled giddily from her rocking chair, listening and chatting along. She loved to make everyone’s favorite meals when family and friends visited with staples like fried chicken and chicken n’ dumplins. It’s also a widely-known fact that no one on the planet made a better carrot cake. She had an innate ability to make all who knew her feel loved, and always made her family feel special; never missing a ball game, recital, concert, show, or graduation.

She is preceded in death by her husband Rubin Rosburn Brock, and parents Raymond and Belva Gloyd McNew. She is survived by her children Debra Gillentine, Teresa Reinert, and Rubin “Ross” Brock and wife Sandy; her nine grandchildren, Jennifer Ugarte, James Gillentine, Kellie and Christopher Reinert, and Tyler, Ryan, Garrett, Marsden, and Anthony Brock; two great-grandchildren, Natalie Ugarte and Colton Brock; brother Donald McNew and wife Ann; sister Patsy Kerns and husband Keith; and many loving nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.

A private family viewing will be held on Friday, April 16, 2021 from 10:00-10:30 AM at Fountainhead Funeral Home. Friends and family are invited to attend the funeral service on Friday, April 16 at 11:00 AM also located at Fountainhead Funeral Home at 7359 Babcock St. SE in Palm Bay.

All expressions of sympathy, including flowers or honorary donations are welcome. Flowers may be sent to 7359 Babcock St. SE, Palm Bay, FL 32909. To make an honorary donation, the family recommends a donation to VITAS Healthcare, Hospice & Palliative Care, or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Rosa’s name.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FountainheadFuneralHome.com for the Brock family.