Mayola Brock

Mayola Brock, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose warmth and kindness touched every life she encountered, peacefully departed this life, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and devotion to family. Born in Holly Grove, Arkansas, Mayola moved to Mansfield, Ohio, as a young teenager. There, fate led her to the love of her life, James Melvin Brock. For James, it was love at first sight the moment he laid eyes on her; he knew he would marry her. The two married on August 31, 1957, shortly after he returned from military service. They went on to share a lifelong marriage until James’ passing in April of 1995. A proud graduate of Mansfield Senior High School, Class of 1956, Mayola built a career marked by dedication and hard work. She retired after 25 years of service from Grumman Flexible Bus Company in Loudonville, Ohio.

Mayola had a heart for service and community. She was a faithful member of Mitchell Chapel AME Church, where she served on the Trustee Board and with the Willing Workers, always ready to extend hospitality in any way it was needed until she fell ill. Her home was a haven of love, where family gathered, stories were shared, and laughter flowed. She raised her children with patience, wisdom, and unwavering devotion, and she played a vital role in helping raise her grandchildren, each of whom adored her deeply. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and valued, greeting all with her unforgettable smile.

Mayola’s interests reflected her vibrant spirit—she loved to travel, enjoyed countless episodes of Law & Order: SVU and CSI, and she enjoyed the robust household atmosphere watching the Cleveland Browns games on any given Sunday. She was well known to her family and friends as a soul food master chef. She also loved her sweet treats and was especially known for her delicious Mississippi Mud cake, a treat she happily shared. She was also known for her playful sayings, like her teasing “I’ll smack the soup outta you” (though she never would), but most memorably, her heartfelt “I love you more” and her tradition of sending hugs and kisses to those she cherished but could not see often.

Mayola was preceded in death by her beloved husband James Melvin Brock; her parents; Joseph & Myrtle Spears; her siblings Charles Spears, Juanita Coates, Emma Jean Kennebrew, Ruby Bridgeman, Joseph Spears Jr., Dorothy Wilder, and Patricia Hall.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children Rosiland Hairston, Rodney Brock, Kenneth Brock, Delvin Brock (Rita), and Lakesha Brock; grandchildren Antwion Cutherberson, Maurice Carter (Sharron), Delvin Brock Jr., Shawntavia “Maymay” Brock, Kenneth Brock Jr., Tyler Black, Nyjah Watson, Madison Watson, & Noah Willis; surviving sisters Annistine Crawford and Sheila Mitchell and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will miss her dearly. Mayola’s life was defined by kindness, loyalty, and unconditional love. Though she has departed this earthly home, her light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her.