Elizabeth Laulusa Rock was born on 19 October 1945 in Pago Pago, Tutuila, American Samoa and died on 7 December 2016 in Houston, TX. During her life she lived in American Samoa, New York, Ohio, Texas, and West Germany. She is survived by her husband of more than 48 years, Col. James C. Rock, USAF, Retired; son Tumu Rock and his wife Kirsty Rock; daughter Peta Rock Dudley and her husband, Bryan Dudley and their four children, Amanda, Jordan, Nathan, and Dara.
She lived her life in service to others, and most recently served communities in Texas by emphasizing a prison ministry called Kairos at the Eastham Unit in Lovelady, TX and the Meals of Love mission based at First United Methodist Church, Bryan in addition to her many other musical and food outreach missions.
The inmates at Eastham Unit who have dedicated their lives to Christ through the Kairos prison ministry are known as the Men in White. They call her Mama Liz. The kitchen volunteers who worked with her cooking for the Men in White, called her El Jefe (beloved boss).
She was a woman so full of love that she refused to quit serving others until her body finally gave in to the ravages of pancreatic cancer. Ten days before her death she was asked how she continues to do everything she does and her matter of fact reply was simply, “Well, you just keep doing what you can, until you can’t.” Five days before she died, only two days before she was admitted to MD Anderson Cancer Center for the final time, she was cooking what became her last Meal of Love in Bryan, TX.
Liz sang with all her might, danced in the light, and over the last 19 months smiled through all manners of personal suffering, always putting others before herself. She was so full of joy, that her smile, if weaponized, could have ended war forever.
Live. Love. Laugh. Sing. Serve. Smile.
Rest well now, Liz, your work here is done.
For those interested, a viewing is scheduled for 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Wednesday 14 Dec 2016 at the Callaway-Jones Funeral Center, 3001 S College Ave, Bryan TX 77801.
The Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 AM on Thursday 15 Dec 2016, in the First United Methodist Church, 506 E 28th St Bryan, TX 77803. A reception and buffet lunch will be available immediately following the service.
Interment will be a private family prayer service, 9:15 AM to 9:35 AM on Friday 16 Dec 2016 in the Ft Sam Houston Military Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209.
At Liz’ request, in lieu of flowers please consider sending donations in her honor to one of her two favorite charitable outreach programs:
For the Liz Rock Youth and Music Endowment, make checks payable to “FUMC-Bryan,” with a memo of “Liz Rock Youth and Music Endowment” and mail to First United Methodist Church, 506 East 28th St, Bryan, TX 77803
OR
For the Kairos Eastham Prison Ministry, make checks payable to “Kairos of Texas” with a memo, “Eastham, Liz Rock” and mail to Rodney Curry, P.O. Box 1694, Tomball, TX 77377.
Liz, you were such an array of sunshine to every life you touched. Your smile was beautiful. You always went out of the way to help out at the church and giving of your time was amazing. You raised 2 beautiful children who is just like you. I am glad that your family is in our family I have enjoyed knowing you all these years. Your memory will live on in every life you touched. You will never be forgotten. Our hearts is sad that you were taken from us so soon but now you are flying high with the heavenly angels until we see each other again. We love you liz.
Liz my friend you will be missed. Your sweet spirit and smile brought peace to the kitchen when chaos was felt during Kairos. Every life you touched by your smile or your kindness will always be remembered and cherished. You have earned your Chef’s cap in heaven. Fly high my friend with the angels.
My husband, Marlin Webb, incarcerated at Eastham, has spoken highly of this servant in Christ. He is a Kairo “graduate” and appreciates her selfless service. He will remember this angel of God and knows that she is with her Lord now. Gaye Webb
All your tennis friends will be thinking of you and your family members. Love you, Sally
Love you forever Liz and will miss your wonderful example of Christian service and love. I will never forget your amazing handbell solos and ability to sing correctly while smiling. You were able to dance like a young girl and had endless energy even when feeling sick!! What a superb example for us all. We will try to help your family adjust as much as possible to your absence.
Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed. May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days, our most heartfelt condolences.
Christian, Gary, Bill & Karen, Tom, David, Caleb and staff