Pauline Smith Brock

Published 9:14 am Monday, October 3, 2022

Pauline Smith Brock, 100, of Bainbridge, Ga., passed away Thursday, July 21, 2022.

Pauline Elizabeth Smith was born Oct. 8, 1921, in Bethlehem, Pa. During WWII, Pauline enlisted in the WAVES – Women’s branch of the US Naval Reserves. While stationed in Washington, DC she met a young Marine, Gus Brock, from Climax, Ga. Gus had been in the 1st Division battling in the South Pacific at Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. After returning to the US, he was stationed at the US Navy Dept. near Pauline’s work. They dated for a year and were married in Washington DC in 1945. Then at the end of the war, they moved to Brooklyn, N.Y. where their children were born.

In 1951, Pauline and Gus relocated their family to Bainbridge, and Pauline’s working career included positions at the Bainbridge Air Force Base and US Selective Service (Draft Board) in Miller and Seminole Counties. Later after obtaining her Licensed Professional Nursing degree, Pauline worked as a nurse at the Bainbridge State Hospital. Retirement 11 years later enabled Pauline and Gus to travel extensively to worldwide destinations and to visit family and friends.

Pauline was active at St. John’s Episcopal Church in the Choir, Altar Guild, and Episcopal Churchwomen, and donating many hours to the St. John’s Bazaar. Pauline had a special talent for baking that harkened back to her high school years while living with her grandmother who, during the Great Depression, created a home bakery business to support her family.

Throughout her entire 100 years, Pauline has maintained an active lifestyle. Pauline celebrated her 100th on October 8th, 2021. When asked about her best advice for aging, she said, “Keep on moving and just don’t give up.”

The family would especially like to thank Joanna and Chandra of Kindred Hospice, Mary Murry and Jacqueline Fullwood for the care provided to their loved one.

Surviving Pauline is her son, Dale T. (Jean) Brock; daughter, Barbara B. Seltzer; grandchildren, Candice L. (Sean) Ryan, Callahan P. Seltzer, and Sarah E. (Brett) Seltzer; great grandchildren, Brock, Scarlett, Faye, Sadie, and Genevieve; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Gus Brock; her parents, and her two sisters.

The memorial service will be Saturday, October 8, 2022, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church with Reverend Leslie Dellenbarger officiating. There will be military honors followed by a reception in the Parish Hall.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.iveyfuneral.com.

The family asks that anyone who is experiencing any cold symptoms, please not attend: services will be streamed through St. John’s Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 516 E Broughton Street, Bainbridge, GA 39817.