Frances Russell Brock

June 14, 1931 – October 14, 2026

Frances Russell Brock, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, gifted musician, dedicated educator and businesswoman, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 14, 2026, in Evans, Georgia, at the age of 95. Born in Rome, Georgia, on June 14, 1931 to J.B. and Ella Russell, Frances lived a rich and meaningful life shaped by her love of music, her faith, her service to her community, and, above all, her family.

A gifted musician and dedicated educator, Frances devoted much of her early life to sharing her love of music with others. A graduate of Rome High School and Converse College, where she earned a degree in Voice Performance, she continued her studies through graduate work at the University of Georgia, Shorter College, and Bradley University.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Frances served as music consultant for Rome City Schools and as choral director at Rome High School. She also taught music at Garden Lakes Elementary School and third grade at Krannert Elementary School. After 19 years in education, she began a new chapter in 1982, joining her husband, Robert William “Bob” Brock, in owning and operating Brock’s Jewelry Center. Together, they operated the business until their retirement in 1997.

Music remained a lifelong passion. Frances performed as a soprano soloist with the Rome Symphony Orchestra, Rome Little Theatre, and First Baptist Church of Rome. She joined First Baptist Church in 1945 and sang in its choir for 70 years, remaining a faithful member of the congregation throughout her life. Her love of singing occasionally produced unexpected moments of delight. On one memorable occasion, while the congregation was singing a hymn, Frances mistakenly believed there was an “Amen” at the end and sang it alone, in her beautiful, full voice. It was a moment that captured both her musical spirit and the kind of cherished family and church story that would be remembered for years to come.

Frances’s commitment to her community extended well beyond the classroom and the stage. She served on the boards of directors of the Georgia Jewelers Association, the Rome Symphony Orchestra, and Friends of Music for Shorter College. A member of the Midday Optimist Club, she received its Outstanding Service Award for 1995–1996. Her professional and civic contributions were also recognized through her inclusion in Who’s Who of Women Executives for 1989–1990 and her nomination for the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce’s 1992 Women of Excellence recognition.

Frances and Bob shared a loving marriage until his death in 1997. Together, they enjoyed traveling, including trips to Asia and many memorable journeys to the Smoky Mountains. Retirement gave Frances more opportunities to explore the world and spend time with those she loved. She treasured a 1999 Mediterranean cruise with her family and a special trip through New England and Canada to celebrate her 80th birthday with her children. In 2013, she traveled to Salzburg and Vienna with her daughter and granddaughter, creating memories that would remain dear to them. She also enjoyed choir and senior adult trips through First Baptist Church, including Russia, Great Britain, and Alaska.

Despite her many accomplishments and varied interests, Frances found great happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She was always content with a good book in her hand and brought a lifelong curiosity and appreciation for learning to all that she did.

Above all, Frances was deeply loved by her family. She is survived by her three children: Anne Roberts and her husband, Rope; Susan Koger and her husband, Marty; and David Brock and his wife, Noel. She also leaves nine grandchildren: Rebecca Burriss, Sarah Bell, Beth Dolan, Katherine Roberts, Anna Roberts, Sam Roberts, John Roberts, Biba Roberts, and Aida Roberts; and eight great-grandchildren, with another eagerly anticipated in January.

Frances will be remembered for her musical gifts, her unwavering faith, her dedication to education and community service, her love of travel and reading, and the deep affection she shared with her family. Her life touched generations of students, fellow musicians, church members, colleagues, and friends. To her family, she was a treasured mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose presence enriched their lives in countless ways. The memories she created, the music she shared, and the love she gave will remain a lasting part of the family she cherished so dearly.

A family service will be held at her interment in East View Cemetery in Rome. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to First Baptist Church of Rome, Georgia, the Rome Symphony Orchestra, or the Rome Little Theatre.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com