Reverend Jerome Warren Brock, a devoted minister, loving husband, proud veteran, and faithful servant of Christ, passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at the age of 90. His passing marked the close of a remarkable life defined by compassion, unwavering faith, joyful service, and a heartfelt commitment to sharing the love of Jesus Christ with everyone he encountered.

Born on February 12, 1933, in Athens, Tennessee, Jerome was the son of Frances Marian Warren Brock and Hobart Miller Brock. Raised during the difficult years of the Great Depression, he developed a deep appreciation for family, hard work, and the outdoors. He often reflected fondly on his childhood spent on the family farmhouse, where hunting, fishing, sports, and bike riding shaped many of his happiest memories.

Jerome graduated from Clinton High School in Tennessee in 1951, where he distinguished himself as captain of the football team, class president, and recipient of the title “Mr. Clinton High School.” Though invited to pursue opportunities connected to West Point preparatory training, he instead accepted a football scholarship to Georgia Tech. After a career-ending injury, he transferred to the University of Tennessee, earning a degree in Business Administration in 1955.

That same year, Jerome married the love of his life, Margie Sue Stokes. Together, they shared 65 years of marriage and built a life rooted in faith and ministry. Following their conversion to Christianity, Jerome felt called into pastoral service, eventually earning a Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary. Over the years, he faithfully served churches across Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Texas, and Washington state, becoming widely known for his warm spirit and welcoming message: “Jesus loves you, and so do we.”

Beyond his ministry, Jerome also served his country with honor. He worked as a cryptologist in the U.S. Army before dedicating 26 years to the U.S. Navy Reserve Chaplain Corps, retiring with the rank of Captain in 1993.

Jerome’s legacy lives on through his five children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and countless individuals whose lives were touched by his kindness, encouragement, humor, and steadfast faith. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.