Lorena Brock

Lorena "Renee" Rowan Brock died peacefully in her home on March 15, 2008. This gracious lady with a sparkle in her eyes was born in Wharton in 1921 the daughter of Sue Moore Rowan and Spencer Ford Rowan. She graduated from Wharton High School as valedictorian before enrolling at the University of Texas. After receiving her degree with honors from the School of Business, Mrs. Brock embarked on a lifelong career in business, as well as rearing a family.

Mrs. Brock and her late husband, Lawrence E. Brock, established Brock Exploration Corporation, an independent oil and gas company, with headquarters in New Orleans, La. Brock Exploration expanded into 12 states as a developer and acquirer of oil and gas properties. She brought to her work and to her life an inquiring, thoughtful intelligence.

Upon returning to Wharton in 1993, Mrs. Brock became engaged in the community, endearing herself to everyone with her loving, generous spirit. For many years, she opened her home to the Monday Bible Study. Her interest and love for her church, St. Thomas Episcopal, was deeply personal, as she reached out and touched everyone who walked through the door. Music at St. Thomas was an important part of her life. Her mother, Sue Moore Rowan, was one of the first organists at St. Thomas. Mrs. Brock and Lawrence, her late husband, were instrumental in making it possible for the church to order a magnificent pipe organ. They also established the St. Thomas Endowment Fund which provides funds for local outreach efforts.

Mrs. Brock lived her faith with action. She organized Daughters of the King in both New Orleans and Wharton. She originated a flower ministry in her churches in New Orleans and Wharton, delivering the altar arrangements to hospitals, nursing homes and individuals.

She reached out to the community with active engagement and support of the Wharton Boys and Girls Club, Wharton Rotary Club, the restoration of the 1889 Wharton County Courthouse and many other organizations. She was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution, PEO, Pi Beta Phi sorority and the Tuesday and Wednesday Bridge Clubs.

Her beautiful spirit touched many lives, with empathy and understanding of the complexity of life. She was unafraid to ask the difficult questions with directness. Her mission was one of service to others, in all aspects of her life. Mrs. Brock's fi- nal days were spent surrounded by family and a host of friends and much laughter, bringing her to say, "I never knew it was so much fun to die."

Mrs. Brock is survived by her children, Susan Philbin, Stephen Philbin, now deceased, Lawrence Brock, and Monet Brock; grandchildren, Tom Brock and Robin Prewett; four great-grandchildren; cousins, Cynthia Rowan, Lillian and Robert Rowan; and nieces and nephews, Ford Rowan, Jeanne Rowan, Reese Rowan, Ed Pitts, Hayes Pitts and Suzanne Babcock; and many friends.

Visitation was held Tuesday evening at Wharton Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held today, Wednesday, March 19, at 2 p.m. from St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Wharton with The Reverend Lance Ousley officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 207 Bob-O-Link, Wharton, TX 77488.