Obituary of Margaret Ann Cummings Brock

In Like A Lion…

Margaret Ann Cummings Brock was born on Tuesday, March 11th, 1958, to Clair and Patricia Cummings, the second daughter and fourth child of a military family. Their travels took her from Indian Head, Maryland to San Diego, California and, at age 6, to North Charleston, South Carolina where she lived until Saturday, April 29th, 2023.

Maggie embraced North Charleston as a true native. Her 59 years spent there had many more highlights than lows. She attended St. John’s Catholic School for 8 years at a time when it and the neighboring Naval Base were at their peak. Her oldest friend, Debbie, was a classmate and they remained friends their entire lives. Maggie moved on to North Charleston High School, a short walk from her family’s O’Hear Avenue house – A large home full of love, children, and chaos. Her nine siblings were, and have always been, a source of support and adventure for her.

She worked for the City of North Charleston, first as an emergency dispatcher, then as a Code Enforcement Officer. Her work, sometimes frustrating, sometimes sad, revealed for others she encountered, her true nature. Maggie cared about people – Those down on their luck, the ill, elderly, or young, those poor in money or spirit. She would help clean, arrange mowing, contact resources, leave care packages, or sometimes just visit to see if they were okay. She retired after 25 years of service to the people in the city.

Maggie was married to Sam Brock for 34 years, until his death in 2021. Together, they raised 5 children, a menagerie of dogs and cats, and provided respite for a number of souls who needed a soft place to land. She and Sam lived a great part of their lives at the sporting events for their children and relatives. “No, I can’t.” was never a part of Maggie’s lexicon. She chaperoned, concessioned, fundraised, and fed and watered a generation of athletes at North Charleston High School. This included her own children and those who belonged to others.

Softball was the second love of Maggie’s life. She loved playing the outfield, beginning as a teenager and continuing playing as a senior. Her time spent with the “Sassy’s” were some of her happiest. Her teammates continued to be important in her life even after her health prevented her participation on the field. A day at the ballpark, whether as a player or a spectator, was a little slice of heaven for Mag. She never missed a game at North Charleston, Bishop England, Westvaco Park or Hanahan High School.

Still, her time spent in the mountains or at the beach eclipsed all other places. She loved to be in nature, a book in hand and a bottle of Diet Coke at her side. She loved to sit (or wade) by a stream in the mountains, just listening to the birds and watching for glimpses of wildlife. She loved the smell of the mountain air and sitting on the porch in the mornings. She could spend hours on the beach, chair at the water’s edge, reading and luxuriating in the sun. Maggie passed this love of nature onto her children. She spent many vacations with them in the mountains, playing games, hiking, eating, and laughing.

Maggie’s life, however, had a single purpose that was not her job, nor sports or nature. She lived for her children and eventually, her grandchildren. There was no obstacle too great to overcome on their behalf. Michael, Greg, Frank, Sara, and Tiffany were able to grow up with someone who taught them perseverance, loyalty, and selflessness. She loved with her whole being, making sure that each was treasured and nurtured. Birthdays and holidays were a time when no expense nor effort was spared. Maggie wanted those times to be centered around family; birthdays were never delayed or minimized. She wanted those being celebrated to feel like the most special person in the room. Her grandchildren added a level of joy to her life that she never expected. Jonathan, Jackson, Kinsley, Waylon, Finley, Tucker, Brock, and Kenley brought her another generation to spoil. They all loved their Grandma very much and understood how special she was.

Finally, Maggie had a strong faith in God that allowed her to weather the pain and suffering of life as well as remain grateful for her many blessings. She was a life long member of St. John’s Catholic Church in North Charleston.

Maggie is predeceased by her husband, Sam, her son, Greg, and her father, Clair. She is survived by her children, Michael (Kristen), Frank (Brittany), Sara (Robbie), and Tiffany (Mikey); her grandchildren, Jonathan, Jackson, Kinsley, Waylon, Finley, Tucker, Brock, and Kenley, her mother, Patricia Cummings, and her 9 siblings: Ed (Fran), Don, Diane, Tim (Vickie), Kelly (Danny), Lisa (Ted), Tammy (Sam), Sandy (Phillip), and Jany (Bryan). Mag also had 52 nieces and nephews who made her family gatherings a party.

She also leaves behind Koa, her long-time canine companion.

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