Mary Lucie Brock

Mary Lucie Carmichael Brock, a resident of Fairhope, Alabama, passed away of natural causes on the evening of March 30th, 2025. Mary Lucie is survived by her children, Mike Brock (Tammy), Jim Brock (Ted), and Davis Brock (Mary Elizabeth); grandchildren Michael Brock (Megan), Rollins Brock, Blythe Brock Mays (Teddy), Weston Brock, Hollon Brock; great grandchildren, James Brock and Annie Brock and numerous nephews and nieces. Mary Lucie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Bobby Brock, and by her parents, Hollon and Bessie Carmichael; brothers, Ken, Dan (Bub), and Jimmy Carmichael; and sister, Eloise “Tut” Sams.

Mary Lucie lived a remarkable life. She was born in Montgomery, Alabama on October 13th, 1934, the fifth child of Bessie and Hollon. Her father passed away when she was only 8 years old, but her 3 older brothers and sister all pitched in up to help raise Mary Lucie…many would later say, “spoiled her rotten”.

Mary Lucie graduated from Sidney Lanier High School in 1953. She was a cheerleader, was the sweetheart for the ‘L’ Club and participated in many student organizations. Mary Lucie was elected Homecoming Queen her senior year. She also met her beloved husband, Bobby, in high school and soon after graduating from high school they were married in 1955. They started their family in Montgomery in 1957.

When she was in her late 20’s, Mary Lucie was diagnosed with a rare inherited eye disease that causes blindness called retinitis pigmentosa (or RP). There is no cure for RP. Mary Lucie’s disease progressed to the point that she was legally blind by age 34. But, she showed incredible courage and resiliency as her vision began to decline. She never missed a ballgame of her children and later grandchildren, attending hundreds (maybe thousands) of sporting events over the years. Somehow, she always knew when to cheer for her family’s team or fuss at a referee or umpire about a bad call. Always there, always supporting her family.

Mary Lucie was a devoted board member of the Montgomery Therapeutic Center and taught Jazzercise classes there for many years. She used her love of music and dance to encourage women on a positive health journey. Her community roots ran deep and in 2001, Mary Lucie was awarded the Montgomery Area Council on Aging Senior of Achievement Award. She also served on the board for Alabama Library for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Always willing to help others, she served for many years on the board of the Alabama Rehabilitation Services.

Mary Lucie’s vision issues also led her to be an ardent supporter of Southeastern Guide Dogs, participating in numerous fund raising events. Mary Lucie had two guide dogs over a period of 20 years. She could often be seen about town with her guide dogs, Watson and Munroe.

Mary Lucie and Bobby were married at First Baptist Church on June 17, 1955. They were active members of First Baptist Church, and Mary Lucie taught girls and youth Sunday School for many years. One of her greatest accomplishments was the forming of the VIP (Visually Impaired Persons) Group that reached outside the walls of the church and provided activities each month for those with visual impairments.

Lucie, as she was called by many, was a charter member and past chairman of the Merry Weeders Garden Club. Although Lucie attended Auburn University and was a member of ADII, she quickly became an Alabama fan and could mightily sing the Alabama Fight Song.

The family wishes to thank Nellie Baughman, her personal care giver for her loving care for Mary Lucie. The family also expresses its deep appreciation to Hughes Home Care staff and the nursing and CNA staff at Eastern Shore Rehabilitation for their support.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Leak Memory Funeral Home from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, with a Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow with a family service in Greenwood Cemetery.