Melvin Brock

Melvin was one of four children born to Linwood Staunton Brock, Sr., and Betty Virginia Gibbs Brock. He was born in Washington, DC, on March 30, 1959. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Linwood Staunton Brock, Jr.

Melvin often shared stories of growing up on F Street in Northeast, DC. He attended schools in the District of Columbia: Gibbs Elementary, Brown Junior High, and Spingarn Senior High. Melvin was very proud to have been selected for the HI-SKIP program during his senior year at Spingarn Senior High School. He was able to attend the University of the District of Columbia and begin college-level courses. Melvin felt this opportunity was very pivotal to his success when he pursed higher education. He was voted as the “smartest” in the Spingarn Class of 1977. Melvin attended George Washington University after graduation from high school. He earned his Bachelors of Arts Degree in Psychology in 1981 and his Masters of Arts Degree in Art Therapy in 1984 from that institution.

After graduating from university, Melvin worked as an art therapist at Sasha Bruce Youthwork, Inc. For most of his career, Melvin worked at the Multicultural Student Services Center (MSSC) at George Washington University and the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) at the College Board. Melvin often said only God knew how many people he and his colleagues helped. Melvin’s work life involved helping people. Melvin ended his career in August 2021 as the director of the Educational Opportunity Center. Throughout his career, Melvin was focused on helping others. During the tenure of his career Melvin worked with veterans and with returning citizens through his outreach at Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) as they educational opportunities.

Melvin met the love of his life, Vivian, in November 1986. They were married on March 25, 1989. To this union, one daughter, Grace Elizabeth Brock, was born. Melvin and Vivian shared many wonderful times together: watching horror movies, going to jazz festivals, reading books then discussing them, and going on cruises together. Since Melvin didn’t like to fly, the cruises typically departed from Baltimore.

Grace was the “apple of Melvin’s eye” as they say. Melvin’s creativity and humor were a great foundation in their relationship. He was a wonderful girl dad. He enjoyed helping Grace with her school projects when she was younger, making her laugh, and spending quality time with her. He was very proud of Grace and loved sharing her accomplishments with others.

Melvin said he was an introvert when younger but he was truly an extrovert as an adult. He enjoyed making presentations in his professional life and was quite the talker at family events and other special occasions. Melvin was kind, funny, articulate, caring, creative, and always willing to help others. He often shared jokes with others that could be termed as “corny.” Melvin loved James Bond movies. James Bond movies were on the television often in the Brock household. He liked all genres of music and listened to music during his daily walks. Melvin’s creativity extended to his buying gifts for others. The recipients of his gifts often pondered where and how Melvin chose the gifts. The gifts were always spot on and on point for the individual. Melvin authored two books: “My Family Ghost Stories” and “Heaven When She Smiles.” He often painted pictures and completed sketches for family and friends. He was an excellent husband, father, brother, cousin, friend, and colleague.

Melvin received care from Community Angels, while at home briefly during the fall of 2025. The home health aides were very kind and caring as they helped take care of Melvin. During the last few months of his life, Melvin stayed at the Flora House Assisted Living Place. We extend a special thank you to the staff. Their kindness and dedication during this challenging time is greatly appreciated. The staff were very gracious and welcoming to Melvin’s many visitors. Melvin enjoyed visiting with and entertaining his guests during those times. Although his health was declining, he continued to reminisce with others and make them laugh. A thank you is extended to Montgomery Hospice for their care and support during these challenging times.

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Melvin leaves to mourn his passing: wife Vivian, daughter Grace, sister Cynthia Brock, brother Steven Brock, half siblings: Debra (Paul) Vaughan, Roslyn (Steven) Grant and Dewitt (Vonda) Roseborough, III, nephew Gregory Hancock, nieces: Danielle, Aisha, and Keena Brock, Bianca Harris, and Jazmyn Goins, ten grandnieces, eight great grandnieces, and aunt Lois Taylor. Melvin has many other family members, friends, colleagues, and neighbors to cherish his memories.

Donations can be made in Melvin’s memory to: George Washington University, Sasha Bruce Youthwork, Inc., or The American Cancer Society.