The local Yazoo community mourns the loss of two beloved figures who embodied community service and an incredible sense of civic duty to its citizens. The passing of Pat Brock, an impactful teacher and dedicated volunteer for the Armed Services, and Jack Spencer, a role model within the business community and a dedicated servant to his community, will certainly leave an absence in Yazoo.
Pat Brock passed away on Dec. 22, 2025 at the age of 68. And if one were to look up the definition of a “go-getter,” she would most certainly be included within the description.
After a career within the educational and medical fields, Brock arrived in Yazoo City ready to return to the work she felt was her calling…teaching. She taught several courses at Manchester Academy and Benton Academy over the years. After an accident, she encountered many challenges with her mobility and health. But she did not let that stop her. She continued teaching from a wheelchair before being advised that she needed to retire.
But Brock was not the type to stay at home. When the deadly tornado hit Yazoo County in 2010, she took a leading role in securing needed supplies for the victims and their families. When Yazoo business and civic leaders formed a recovery team, she was asked to be the secretary.
When recovery was reached from the disaster, Brock turned her attention to her passion…veterans and the Armed Forces. She organized a local parade for veterans. And she was instrumental in securing the traveling Vietnam Wall to pay a visit to Yazoo City.
And even within her own obituary, Brock requested that instead of flowers, her family and friends buy lunch for a veteran.
Another beloved figure within our community was Jack Spencer, who passed away on Dec. 30, 2025. Joining the family gravel business, he developed an impressive reputation of hard work, dedication and commitment as he both embodied his role as a businessman and community leader into one position.
Spencer was remembered as always saying, “do what you love and find your calling, and you will never have to work a day in your life". That was certainly some good advice, and Spencer followed that same outlook daily.
And Spencer relied on his faith and Bible in his life as well, putting that same dedication towards his Lord.
It will certainly be hard to replace figures like Brock and Spencer within our community. But we have the foundation they certainly put before us for future generations.
